Cherries Trust Considering Legal Action Against Manchester United Over Inadequate Bomb Scare Compensation

Bournemouth's main supporters' group, The Cherries Trust, are considering taking legal action against Manchester United over the handling of last season's dud bomb scare.

On 15 May, Manchester United's game against Bournemouth at Old Trafford was abandoned owing to the discovery of a suspicious device in the toilets. After a controlled explosion had been carried out, it transpired that it was a training device which had been left behind by a private company following a simulated security exercise.

The game was rearranged to take place on May 17, a Tuesday evening. United offered to free tickets to Bournemouth fans for the rearranged fixture but, being a weeknight, many were unable to attend.

While United also offered to refund the cost of tickets for those who couldn't make the Tuesday fixture, The Cherries Trust have pointed to significant travel costs as well as the waste of time and effort by Bournemouth fans, not to mention the distress caused when initial reports of a bomb scare broke. They have argued that United were responsible for making the stadium safe, and so should remunerate supporters for the 500-mile round trip as a whole.

The Trust claim to have exchanged emails with United officials regarding the bomb scare, only to be told that the club does not consider itself responsible. In an official statement, they have said: "Following protracted discussions between Cherries Trust and Manchester United Football Club, the Old Trafford club have repeatedly stated that they do not see themselves as being at fault and, therefore, no further action or compensation is required. This leaves many fans of both clubs left to carry the cost of travel and accommodation.

"In the latest response (dated 25 July), Manchester United's Head of Ticket and Membership Operations, Sam Kelleher, asserts the club's stance that refunding of match tickets, and allowing free entry to the rescheduled game is sufficient recompense, and beyond what they were obliged to do – a real gesture of goodwill.

"In earlier correspondence, Manchester United have been adamant that the 75,000 fans in attendance have 'no entitlement to recover any expenses' and that refunding any match tickets was 'something that it was not required to do'."

The Trust have stated that £100 would be adequate compensation for fans, taking into account the cost of the entire day as opposed to just the match. They are continuing to pursue the club by email.

Speaking to The Daily Mail, Cherries Trust chairman Tony Maycock claimed that Bournemouth fans could now review their legal options. "If there is enough desire and people who want to take that route, then a group claim is possible," he said.