Friday 7 February 2020 22:33, UK
Manchester United have made a formal complaint to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) over The Sun newspaper's coverage of the attack on the house of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
The complaint relates to the story 'Ed Devils: Man Utd fans throw flares at Ed Woodward's house in shocking scenes as anti-board protests continue to escalate' which United say was carried online and also on the back page of the newspaper on January 29.
"The club believes that The Sun newspaper had received advance notice of the intended attack, which included criminal damage and intent to intimidate, and that the journalist was present as it happened. The quality of the images accompanying the story indicate that a photographer was also present," read the statement.
Manchester United say their decision to make a formal complaint was not taken lightly.
"We will await its ruling with keen interest as an important test of the self-regulatory system for newspapers and its ability to uphold ethical standards in the press," read a club statement.
Police are investigating the attack on Woodward's home last month after videos emerged on social media showing a group of people in hoods chanting threats and throwing flares over the property's front gate.
A spokesperson for The Sun said: "The Sun condemns fully the attack on Mr Woodward's home and is happy to co-operate fully with any police inquiry.
"However The Sun, like all newspapers, vigorously defends its right to report.
"Following a tip-off that there was to be a protest a Sun reporter attended. The Sun accurately reported the events that unfolded. At no time was our reporter made aware of what was to take place nor incited it or encouraged any criminal activity. The article made it clear that the behaviour was criminal and unacceptable.
"The Sun supports wholeheartedly the Editors Code Of Conduct and will defend the complaint to IPSO."
