Manchester United's Premier League match against Liverpool was postponed, after its fans forced their way into the stadium and stormed the Old Trafford pitch to protest against the club's owners - the American Glazer family.
"Following discussion between the Police, the Premier League, Trafford Council and the clubs, our match against Liverpool has been postponed, due to safety and security considerations around the protest today," United says.
"Discussions will now take place with the Premier League on a revised date for the fixture."
An hour after the scheduled 1530 GMT kickoff, both sets of players were still in their hotels.
The Lowry Hotel, where United's players were preparing for the match, was also the scene of a large anti-Glazer protest.
About 200 United fans took to the pitch, some letting off flares and others carrying posters calling for the Glazers to sell the club.
The match was being played behind closed doors, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Media representatives covering the game, including Reuters, were kept outside, as the stadium was locked down.
"Following the security breach at Old Trafford, the Manchester United versus Liverpool game has been postponed," says the Premier League. "This is a collective decision from the police, both clubs, the Premier League and local authorities.
"The security and safety of everyone at Old Trafford remains of paramount importance. We understand and respect the strength of feeling, but condemn all acts of violence, criminal damage and trespass, especially given the associated COVID-19 breaches."
There was no word on when the match would be played. Second-placed United need a win to prevent Manchester City being crowned champions.
While the protest had been planned and was largely peaceful, it descended into chaos, as fans infiltrated the stadium.
A large crowd of fans also gathered outside the ground, letting off green and gold flares - the colours of United's shirts when they were formed as Newton Heath.
Mounted police moved in to try to clear the areas outside the stadium, and bottles and barriers were thrown during some isolated incidents.
The planned protest follows United's initial decision to join a European Super League, along with five other English clubs. The plans for that breakaway league fell apart within days, due to widespread opposition.
"It's important that the fans' views are listened to and we communicate better," said United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before the protest. "My job is to focus on the football side and that we have the best possible team."
Reuters
