They got in through an entrance next to the Munich Tunnel, a symbol of Manchester United’s tragic but everlasting bond with the European Cup.
The Glazer family’s botched attempt to sever that tie with the preposterous European Super League was just one of the reasons supporters felt compelled to vent their fury outside Old Trafford on Sunday and somehow got on to the pitch — which is more than can be said for the players of United and Liverpool.
How did it happen? How did a planned protest which was supervised by a heavy security presence end up with fans on the playing surface, kicking the match balls among themselves, taking the corner flags, hurling flares at the Sky Sports TV gantry and ultimately clashing with police on the streets outside?