Trafford council has taken Lancashire county cricket club to court – in a move that may have serious ramifications for Manchester United’s plans for a new stadium.
Officials at the local authority have acted after a member of the public was injured at a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert at Old Trafford cricket ground in 2022.
They are prosecuting not only Lancashire but also the behemoth music promoter Live Nation, who have a long history of staging concerts in the area. That move has triggered serious concerns over the potential damage to the relationship and fears that Live Nation will subsequently no longer wish to stage any events in Trafford – and therefore at United’s proposed new home.
Mail Sport understands that the matter has reached the attention of mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who is a key figure in United’s plans to demolish their stadium and replace it with a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose venue.
A preliminary health and safety hearing was held at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court last week, and a date for a 10-day trial has been set for March 2027. It is understood that the incident occurred when a truck trapped a visitor against a cabin on the site.
The prospect of the matter lingering in the background as United – who as Mail Sport revealed on Saturday night now have government backing for their vast regeneration project – seek to press on, is not viewed as helpful.
Man United’s plans to build a new, 100,000-capacity super-stadium could soon be derailed
Trafford council have taken Lancashire county cricket club to court – after a member of the public was injured at a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert at Old Trafford cricket ground in 2022
The incident three years ago could have serious ramifications for Manchester United’s plans for a new stadium (Pictured: Flea and Anthony Kiedis from the Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Should United build a 100,000-capacity new home, the hope is that concerts from some of the planet’s biggest stars will become a key revenue driver and a regular fixture.
US-based Live Nation own Ticketmaster and are regarded as the leading global promoter. They dominate the industry, have interests in several venues and also runs security and merchandising.
‘They are not the kind of people you want to upset when you are trying to build a new stadium that will rely on concerts,’ said one person with knowledge of the matter.
There could also be a serious knock-on effect for Lancashire, for whom concerts form a major part of their business plan. In 2023, the club’s conference and events business generated £4.1m in revenue.
A spokesperson for Trafford council said: ‘Trafford Council can confirm that Lancashire Cricket Club and Live Nation are being prosecuted for health and safety offences in respect of an incident at the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert held at the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground on 22June 2022.’ It is understood they feel the incident was serious enough to justify their actions.
Lancashire have been approached for comment.
