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Man U fans force JP Morgan to quit conference
Independent, The (London), Jun 14, 2005 by James Daley in Manchester
More than 50 disgruntled Manchester United fans raided a JP Morgan drinks reception in Manchester on Thursday night, throwing wine glasses at guests and hitting at least one person.
The fracas, at Manchester Art Gallery, was a protest against the bid by the US tycoon Malcolm Glazer for the football club, for which JP Morgan " the US banking giant " is providing financial backing.
JP Morgan representatives were in Manchester for the National Association of Pension Funds conference and were holding a drinks reception for clients. The company decided to leave the conference early yesterday as a result of the incident.
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Although JP Morgan and Manchester Art Gallery moved to play down the significance of the fracas, a spokesman for the gallery confirmed that wine had been thrown across the room, staining a wall. She insisted no damage was caused to any artwork and said the incident was over in minutes.
A spokesman for Shareholders United, the Manchester United shareholders association, said it decided to storm the event after being tipped off earlier this week. 'This is just the start of what is going to be a very long and very ugly campaign,' he said.
Police confirmed they were called to disperse the protesters but said no arrests were made. In a statement, they said they went the gallery 'after reports that protesters entered a private function. Officers were called at 9.10pm and the supporters dispersed on police arrival. No arrests were made'.
The protest is the latest in a string of attacks by Manchester United shareholders, which have included raids on the offices of Rothschild, the investment bank providing financial advice to Mr Glazer
Supporters have also carried out pranks. In one incident, pizzas were delivered every hour to the offices of Brunswick, the public relations company which used to represent Mr Glazer.
l Three Manchester United supporters were charged yesterday with public order offences after separate protests against Mr Glazer were held outside the club's Old Trafford ground on Thursday night. One other man was cautioned yesterday and another was given a fixed- penalty notice. Hundreds of fans had gathered for the demonstration.
Copyright 2005 Independent Newspapers UK Limited
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