Manchester United ban 685

Manchester United have issued 685 bans following the conclusion of a major investigation at Old Trafford.

The decision comes during an important week for Michael Carrick’s side, with attention quickly switching from European success to Sunday’s Manchester derby.

United beat Sabah FK 4-0 in the Champions League, as Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko and Lisandro Martinez all found the net.

However, matters away from the pitch continue to generate plenty of discussion around the club.

Supporters have already expressed frustration with the hierarchy this season, and The 1958 have organised a protest ahead of the Manchester City clash at Old Trafford.

United have now completed another major process which began during the summer, confirming that 685 have received the strongest sanction available following months of controversy.

Manchester United conclude major investigation

The 685 in question are supporter accounts, which Manchester United have banned following an investigation into ticket touting and misuse of the club’s ticketing system.

BBC Sport report that a further 464 supporters have either received reduced sanctions or final warnings.

United say 499 season-ticket bans were upheld by an independent appeals panel, while another 73 were not appealed.

A further 113 season tickets were banned after repeated requests for information went unanswered.

The club say bans were issued where there was significant misuse for financial gain, including organised networks controlling, selling and distributing tickets from hundreds of accounts.

The crackdown has caused controversy throughout the summer.

CentreDevils previously reported that one Manchester United season-ticket holder received a one-year ban, while the club acknowledged that its initial approach caused distress to some supporters.

United also admitted they underestimated how frequently genuine fans shared account details with friends and family.

With ticketing among the issues behind Sunday’s planned protest, confirmation of the 685 bans is unlikely to end tensions between sections of the fanbase and the Old Trafford hierarchy.