Why Manchester United removed two protest banners during Aston Villa game

Stewards removed two protest banners during Manchester United's Aston Villa match, citing obstruction and concerns over one banner's reference to Jimmy Savile.

Manchester United stewards confiscated two protest banners during Sunday's Aston Villa game as fan demonstrations against the club's ownership intensify.

A banner reading "We don't want a new stadium, we want new owners" was removed after being unfurled during the first half, with stewards citing obstruction of other supporters' views. A second banner, "Jim can't fix this" — a recurring anti-Sir Jim Ratcliffe protest — was also taken down.

United explained the removal was due to the banner's wordplay referencing 'Jim'll Fix It', the TV show hosted by Jimmy Savile, a convicted sexual predator.

Fans have criticized the removals as censorship, though United maintains it permits protests within regulations. The banner confiscations come amid renewed momentum in demonstrations against the Glazers and Ratcliffe, with supporters attempting to revive green and gold protests at Old Trafford. A potential walkout during the Villa match did not materialize.