Man Utd Ban Fans From Using Laptops & Tablets This Season

Manchester United have banned football fans from bringing laptop and tablet devices to Old Trafford from this season, claiming the tough new measures are due to "security and intelligence" reasons and are in line with checks on electronic equipment at airports. The club added that unlike airports, it would be "unpractical" to ask fans to prove their devices are genuine by powering them up, though Greater Manchester police have confirmed they have had no involvement in the new sanctions on supporters. A statement from United's official website said the ban covers "large and small tablets 'including iPad minis', as well as larger electronic devices". Fans will be pleased to know smartphones are still permitted inside the ground however - as long as their dimensions are smaller than 15cm by 10cm (5.9in by 3.9in). The new policy is a reaction to a "unique risk" facing the Manchester outfit, with a club statement going on to read:

"The regulations at each stadium are a matter for the relevant stadium management authorities, however, the scale of Old Trafford and profile of Manchester United mean that the risk at this venue is unique."

A spokesman for the club added that it had made the move after receiving advice but would not elaborate on whom this had come from. He added that the rule has not been brought in to clamp down on supporters recording footage of matches, and thereby blocking the view of fellow fans, as had been reported on a number of other websites. The ban comes one month after a government announcement that passengers flying to the United States or elsewhere who passed through UK airports would be required to turn on their phone to prove their authenticity amid concerns over a "credible" terrorist threat. Man Utd fans - what do you think about the ban? Are the club being too strict? Share your thoughts in the comment section, below.