Manchester United vs Middlesbrough: Away supporters plan show of support for steel workers at Old Trafford

Middlesbrough supporters display a banner in support of the workers facing redundancy. (Getty Images)

Middlesbrough supporters are planning an imaginative protest against the recent job losses in Teeside’s steel industry ahead of tonight’s Capital One Cup tie at Manchester United.

Over 10,000 fans are expected to take part in a demonstration organised by the Twe12th Man supporter group and shine their mobile phone lights in the 10th minute of this evening’s Fourth Round encounter at Old Trafford.

The protest will act as a show of solidarity with the 1,700 workers expected to lose their jobs following the closure of the SSI steel plant in Redcar, as well as the further 1,000 who can expect redundancies at the Tata Steel plant in Scunthorpe.

Steve Gibson, Middlesbrough’s chairman, is an ardent supporter of the local area’s industry and has also spoken out in support of the workers' plight in recent weeks.

The 57-year-old businessman went as far as to describe Stockton South’s MP James Wharton, a Conservative and one of the ministers responsible for the ‘Northern Powerhouse’, as “an absolute clown”.

“He will become accountable at the next election,” Gibson said in a recent interview with The Times. “There are a lot of steelworkers in his constituency and all he’s done is pay lip service to it.”

“I wished him well when he got elected but if he doesn’t improve, I’ll look to bury him, the town will look to bury him.

Manchester United have also allowed the travelling support to display Save Our Steel banners provided they meet Old Trafford’s safety regulations.

Dozens of SSI workers were paraded before kick-off at the club’s recent home game against Fulham while Middlesbrough players also wore t-shirts bearing the ‘Save Our Steel’ slogan before last month’s meeting with Leeds United.

According to the Telegraph, Aitor Karanka, the Teeside club’s manager, has also backed the campaign, knowing as he does how integral the industry is to the local area.

“I would like to express my support,” Karanka said. “The club and the chairman are the first people committed to those affected. I’ve been here for 22 months but I know how important the industry is here.”