Manchester United and Leeds United’s meeting at Croke Park was brought to an early conclusion after several young supporters entered the pitch during the closing stages.
The pre-season friendly attracted a capacity crowd to Jones’ Road as the two clubs, both of whom have significant support in Ireland, renewed their rivalry.
With the score level at 1-1 in the 89th minute, a young supporter entered the playing area and ran towards the players. He was soon followed by others, with several children making their way onto the pitch.
League of Ireland referee Neil Doyle stopped play while stewards attempted to clear the field. With further supporters continuing to enter the pitch, the match was subsequently brought to an end before the remaining minutes could be played.
There was no extra time scheduled, with the teams going directly to a penalty shootout following the 1-1 draw. Manchester United won the shootout 5-4.
Further supporters entered the pitch during the shootout, prompting an announcement over the Croke Park public-address system.
As Manchester United's Jack Fletcher prepared to take a penalty, supporters were told: “If there is another pitch invasion, unfortunately the game will have to be stopped. Please, no more pitch invasions. Thank you.”
Joshua Zirkzee had opened the scoring for Manchester United after good work from Bryan Mbeumo, before Brenden Aaronson equalised for Leeds following a run from former United winger Daniel James.
Bruno Fernandes later had a goal ruled out for offside and struck the crossbar as Manchester United looked for a late winner.
Andy Mitten from the United Stands commented on the issue, saying that Croke Park's security measures were ineffective. He said, "it shouldn't happen, and I've seen pictures this morning from Manchester United fans in the sections, where the minors have jumped over the fence, and the stewards look a little bit, a little bit dazed. They don't really know what is going on. There's like a plastic mesh net to stop them, which which obviously hasn't worked" .
The match was ultimately decided by penalties after the repeated pitch invasions interrupted the closing stages.
