Man Utd’s game with FCSB was briefly halted by a pitch invader (Image: TNT Sports)
victory over FCSB was disrupted by pitch invaders during the second half and at full-time. One individual seemed to make a beeline for before being swiftly removed from the Arena Nationala pitch in Romania.
The first pitch invader made their way beyond the dugouts and onto the pitch in the 76th minute. The person, seemingly a young fan, made their way to the centre circle before they were noticed by referee Harm Osmers, who stopped the game.
They initially appeared destined for but swerved when they spotted Garnacho positioned just outside FCSB’s penalty area. The fan held out their phone to take a photo with the 20-year-old forward. It is unclear if he obliged as the broadcast footage cut away from the scene.
“We’re just going to stop here as we have a pitch invader,” said TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton. “They’re on the pitch to try and get a selfie from one of the United players. It was Garnacho who he went over to.”
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The fan was seen being led away by two security staff. They seemed to be smiling, which suggested that they might have got their photo with Garnacho before being hauled away.
A second individual then made their way onto the pitch as the players shook hands at full-time. They were apprehended by a member of security, who tackled the person to the ground. The person had approached Casemiro, with the United midfielder gesturing for him to keep a distance.
Some United players continued to watch as the fan was taken away. “We’ve got another pitch invader,” groaned commentator Summerton. “They’ve prevented him from getting to any of the players there.”
Security fears have previously been raised over supporters entering the field of play. In the UK, the Football Offences Act 1991 states that it is an offence for fans to make their way onto the pitch “without lawful authority or lawful excuse”. In 2022, the Football Association said they were “very concerned” following a spate of incidents in the and EFL.
A fan wanted a selfie with Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho (Image: Getty)
A statement continued: “Football stadiums should always be a safe and enjoyable space for everyone, and these incidents are completely unacceptable and have no place in our game.”
Last summer, UEFA fined five national governing bodies following incidents of fans making their way onto the pitch at Euro 2024. Former United forward was a particular target for people wanting selfies during Portugal’s matches.
Meanwhile, after beating FCSB 2-0. Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo scored second-half goals.