Man United 2-0 Arsenal: Fans throw clapping during friendly match at MetLife Stadium
The rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal is known for being spirited, but it seems the tension spread from the pitch to the stands during their Saturday night pre-season friendly.
The Gunners fell to a 2-0 loss to the Red Devils at MetLife Stadium as they continued their preseason tour of the United States following a 5-0 victory over the MLS All-Stars earlier in the week.
It was a physical encounter, typical of the fierce rivalry that has existed between the two sides, but tension also seemed to boil over in the crowd.
In a video shot by Chris Wheeler of Mail Sport, supporters were seen fighting in the stands of the stadium in New Jersey during the game.
While it’s unclear what sparked the fight, a group of fans in the stairway separating the rows of seats could be seen pushing each other before the situation escalated and one of them started throwing punches.
Arsenal lost 2–0 to Manchester United in their pre-season friendly
Tensions also ran high in the stands when a group of supporters threw blows
Two members of security staff scrambled over the pitchside railings separating the stands from the action on the pitch and began to fight their way towards the bickering supporters.
Before they could get there, however, a few other fans managed to step in and de-escalate the situation.
The blue jersey supporter who threw the first blow flinched back and calmly returned to his place in the opposite row. There seemed to be no more problems.
Tensions were also high on the field. A late challenge from Lisandro Martinez on Bukayo Saka caused tempers to flare in the United States, resulting in a mini scuffle until the Argentina star was separated from Gunner captain Martin Odegaard.
Images show how Martinez Saka falls out in the United half as the game went towards half time.
United were already 2-0 up, but the centre-back, known for his aggressive nature, took no prisoners and went high on the England striker.
When he also nearly knocked out teammate Kobbie Mainoo, the referee blew for a free kick and booked Martinez for the challenge, although the 25-year-old was unfazed.
There seemed to be no more problems between the 82,262 supporters present
Lisandro Martinez caused a stir during Manchester United’s match against Arsenal
The defender lunged at Bukayo Saka, drawing other players into a scuffle
Odegaard was on the scene to confront his opponent, before several other players rushed to join.
The likes of Mason Mount, William Saliba and Luke Shaw all arrived on the scene, but things eventually calmed down.
The game saw a total of three yellow cards, with Harry Maguire being booked for Manchester United and Gabriel Jesus also being booked in the match.
United will also play Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund while in the States, with the Gunners set to play Barcelona on Thursday morning having already beaten an MLS All-Star side.