…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
Manchester United has released a statement addressing a video that has been circulating, showing Mason Mount refusing to sign autographs for a group of individuals claiming to be fans.
The club claims that these individuals are professional autograph hunters who frequently harass their players for signatures, only to sell the items for substantial profits.
Manchester United further states that the situation has become a significant problem outside their Carrington training ground and warns that these encounters are becoming increasingly dangerous, posing a potential risk of harm to individuals involved.
Issue of Professional Autograph Hunters:
The club’s statement highlights the prevalence of professional autograph hunters who target Manchester United players and pressure them into signing large quantities of items.
These hunters then sell the autographed merchandise for significant sums of money.
The club expresses frustration at the frequency of such occurrences, noting that it is unfair to players like Mason Mount, who have been friendly and accommodating to fans since joining Manchester United.
Concerns for Player Safety:
Manchester United raises concerns about the safety of their players due to the actions of these organized groups.
The statement describes instances where players’ cars are blocked, and they are harassed as they arrive or leave their workplace at the Carrington training ground.
The club emphasizes the dangerous nature of these encounters, expressing a genuine worry that someone may eventually get hurt.
The situation not only poses risks to the players but also deprives young fans of the opportunity to interact with their idols, as players find it challenging to engage with genuine supporters amid the constant pressure from these groups.
Efforts to Address the Problem:
Acknowledging the severity of the issue, Manchester United reveals that security staff is in regular dialogue with players to find solutions and prevent further incidents.
The club expresses frustration for all parties involved and states that action will be taken if the problem persists.
The goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of the players while allowing genuine fans to have meaningful interactions with their favorite footballers.
Conclusion:
Manchester United’s statement sheds light on the presence of professional autograph hunters who exploit the club’s players for financial gain.
The club raises concerns about the safety risks posed by these encounters and the resulting deprivation of genuine fans’ opportunities to interact with their idols.
Manchester United is determined to address this issue by working closely with security staff and players.
Their ultimate objective is to create an environment that guarantees player safety and fosters meaningful connections between fans and players.