We trust UEFA and the good in people, says Solskjaer
SHOWS: BELGRADE, SERBIA (OCTOBER 23, 2019) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL)
1. (SOUNDBITE) (English) MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER, OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER, SAYING:
"In the aftermath of what happened in Bulgaria we've had a meeting with the boys and we've, as Harry said, we've gone through the protocol. But I'm sure... I believe in the good in people and the atmosphere here is going to be, I'm sure it's gonna be fantastic. We'll try to keep them quiet by playing good football, but it's down to us. But we trust UEFA and, like Savo (Milosevic, Partizan coach) said, I've seen his quotes, hopefully it's a celebration of good football."
2. (SOUNDBITE) (English) MANCHESTER UNITED CENTRE BACK, HARRY MAGUIRE, SAYING:
"Yeah, we will trust UEFA to follow their protocol in the three steps. Obviously, in Sofia it was a sickening atmosphere, something I don't want to be a part of again. We're positive that tomorrow night will be a great atmosphere, one that we're all looking forward to play in. Like I said, if something does go off, then we'll follow the three-step protocol. I'm sure the people on and off the pitch will be doing their bit to make improvements for the future."
STORY: Manchester United will trust UEFA to implement the governing body's three-step protocol in case there are any outbursts of racism during their Europa League match at Partizan Belgrade on Thursday (October 24), manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Wednesday (October 23).
The Group L fixture, to be played under tight security in the Serbian capital, comes after England's black players suffered racist abuse at their Euro 2020 qualifier at neighbouring Bulgaria on October 14.
England manager Gareth Southgate informed the UEFA delegate after the first incidents and a public announcement was made, with play stopped.
The abuse continued and the Group A match, which England went on to win 6-0, was again temporarily suspended by the referee under a three-step UEFA protocol for tackling abuse.
At a news conference at Partizan stadium on Wednesday, Solskjaer said he had a faith his side would not be put through a similar deal here.
"I believe in the good in people and I am sure the atmosphere is going to be fantastic," Solskjaer said.
"We'll try to keep them quiet by playing good football, but we trust UEFA," he added.
Partizan played the home leg of their Europa League playoff tie against Solskajer's former club Molde and the group stage match against Dutch rivals AZ Alkmaar behind closed doors for offensive chants by their fans.
Milosevic acknowledged earlier on Wednesday the club could ill-afford another such incident against a club of United's stature with their former trophy-laden manager Alex Ferguson watching.
Partizan top the group with four points from two games, ahead of United on goal difference. Alkmaar have two points and bottom team Astana none.
United, who won Europe's second-tier competition in 2017 under Solskjaer's predecessor Jose Mourinho, are 14th in the Premier League on 10 points from nine games.
They trail leaders Liverpool by 15 points and are two points above the relegation zone.
