Manchester United's security staff (CES) are accused of denying supporters entry to Monday's reserve league final at Old Trafford because they believed the fans were about to engage in a green and gold protest. Green and gold scarves have become a visual reminder of the opposition to the Glazer family's ownership of the Red Devils at United matches since January.
Both Sir Alex Ferguson and United chief executive David Gill have backed the rights of fans to protest, even if they do not agree with the sentiments.
However, United's security staff stand accused of ignoring that stance by the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association.
"The reserves played Aston Villa in front of a crowd of about 4,000 but many fans were prevented from seeing their victory as large groups of CES (who were again not showing their badges) stopped people in their twos and threes from gaining entry because of their supposed involvement in protests on other occasions," said a statement from IMUSA.
"We are also told that the local police intelligence officer joined in with this intimidation, giving people 'verbal warnings' for having engaged in legitimate peaceful protests at other matches. This same officer told whoever cared to listen that 'he didn't need a reason' when asked why he was evicting a small number of young teenagers from the ground.
"IMUSA remains deeply concerned about the moral and legal implications surrounding this heavy handed approach to the suppression of legitimate protest."
United are currently gathering details of events before deciding their response.
