FC United's proposed new ground in Moston vandalised in weedkiller protest

 Source: MEN

 Vandals have used weedkiller to etch a protest against FC United's move to Moston into the turf of their proposed new home.

The attackers burnt 10ft letters spelling out 'No to FC Utd' in the grass of the Ronald Johnson Playing fields.

They went on to pour concrete into holes drilled for goal posts and spray anti-FC United grafitti on a storage container in a spree branded 'pathetic' by council chiefs.

The site is set to become a 5,000-capacity stadium for FC United, which was formed in protest of the Glazer family's ownership of Manchester United.

It was previously home to amateurs Moston Juniors, who are currently playing their matches elsewhere after similar attacks in recent months.

FC United were given planning permission to build their £3.5m complex on the site last October.

A residents group opposed to the stadium, Residents United Residents Association, have launched a bid to force a judicial review.

The M.E.N. revealed that they had served papers on town hall bosses last month.

Officials from FC United had hoped to start work on the project this summer and be in the ground for next season.

They had hoped to turn around some of the pitches to allow Moston Juniors to carry on playing there while work was going on.

But the delays caused by the challenge, coupled with the repeated attacks, have led to the club, which has 15 teams ranging from Under 7s to Under 18s, to move elsewhere.

Matches are currently being played in Blackley, Failsworth and at Heaton Park.

A spokesman for Moston Juniors said they were saddened by the attacks.

He said: “We are concerned about the continuing threat of vandalism and graffiti.

“It is disturbing that there are people from the local community who feel it is necessary to cause further damage to the facilities.

“It would be better if they talked to the partners involved to achieve a solution that is acceptable to all of those concerned.”

Local councillor Luthfur Rahman said: "There is no excuse for this kind of vandalism.

“Damaging a pitch used by one of the biggest amateur junior football teams in Manchester is just pathetic."

FC United declined to comment on the attack.