Police have defended their increased presence at Manchester United's home match against Chelsea on Saturday, reports BBC Sport. Supporters had complained the tactics endangered fans' safety and suppressed protests against the club's owners.
"Additional resources were deployed to deal with any confrontation between club officials and supporters," said chief superintendent Mark Roberts.
"The police remain impartial and will continue to deal with any disorder or allegations in an even-handed manner."
Towards the end of the top-of-the-table clash, police moved into the Stretford End stand to fill aisles in the upper tier.
Fans have complained that their positioning contravened the club's own safety policy that specifies that the club officials "will ensure that all passageways and exits are kept clear".
Various supporters groups have also claimed that the strategy was designed to prevent protests by fans unhappy with the Glazer family's management of the club's finances since they took ownership in 2005.
The club say they have received complaints over the new tactics, but claim they actually safeguard fan by ensuring the emergency services have access to all areas of the stand.
It also says that the confiscation of large banners may be necessary to prevent the blocking other supporters' views and limit the danger of fans falling from the upper tier.
"The club acknowledges the right of fans to protest, but it will not tolerate actions that potentially puts at risk the safety or comfort of other match-going fans," said a spokesperson.
Roberts, who oversees Greater Manchester Police's policing at Old Trafford, said his officers were responding to complaints of abuse and assault of stewards by fans at previous games.
He stressed that the officers were also ready to act if they witnessed inappropriate behaviour by club officials towards fans.
"Clearly I have a regular dialogue with Manchester United over the policing of events and I would welcome a conversation with the fans engaged in the protests to reassure all parties that the police remain impartial," he said.
