Christopher Glennon, 43, attacked a teenager in the toilets at Old Trafford during a Manchester United match - and a court heard the bizarre reason for the assault
Andrew Bardsley Court reporter and Adam Cailler Senior reporter and Reddit team lead
15:14, 08 Jul 2025Updated 15:14, 08 Jul 2025
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United argues with the Referee during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on February 15, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Tempers flared on and off the pitch that day(Image: Laurence Griffiths, Getty Images)
A footie fan assaulted a teenager in the loo during a Manchester United match 'to defend his son's honour' following an odd misunderstanding. Christopher Glennon, 43, had asked his lad to keep an eye on his pint while he nipped to the gents during half-time at a Premier League clash.
However, Glennon took umbrage at a harmless confusion when a nearby stranger with a similar name thought he was being addressed.
Manchester Crown Court heard that although the disagreement initially fizzled out, Glennon later attacked his victim in the toilets, leaving him with a bloody nose and causing 'long term trauma'.
The incident happened at Old Trafford
The incident happened at Old Trafford(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"There's not much to be proud of there, is there? ," Judge Paul Lawton said to Glennon, noting that the defendant had acted to 'defend the honour of his son', reports the Manchester Evening News.
"Beating a teenager in a public toilet at Old Trafford. You weren't in the arena of a Gladiator, you were watching a football match at Old Trafford."
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Prosecutor Hannah Forsyth explained that the incident occurred at United's match against Brighton on February 15, 2022, which the Reds won 2-0. Glennon had attended the game with his son.
Oliver Jackson, then 18, was there with a mate. They all headed to the concourse at half time.
Glennon approached and said: "Jacko, can you watch my drink?". Mr Jackson believed Glennon was addressing him, but the court learned that it was a nickname which the defendant used for his son.
Thinking he was the one being addressed, Mr Jackson responded with a 'yeah'. This provoked Glennon to become 'angry', telling him 'don't talk to my son like that'.
Both parties then went their separate ways to watch the second half. However, about ten minutes before the end of the match, Mr Jackson returned to the concourse to use the loo.
He entered a cubicle and upon exiting found Glennon waiting for him. "What did you say to my son? ," Glennon demanded.
Glennon then stepped forward and landed a punch on Mr Jackson's head, causing him to stagger. He continued to pummel him 'multiple times' while Mr Jackson pleaded for him to stop.
After leaving a bloodied-nosed Mr Jackson behind, Glennon was later arrested.
He told police that Mr Jackson had been 'rude and abusive' towards him, claiming he was acting in self-defence after being attacked.
In a statement read out in court, Mr Jackson revealed the attack has had a 'long lasting and devastating' effect. He now experiences anxiety when using public toilets, and is mindful of his fluid intake to avoid needing them.
"It has affected his sense of safety and quality of life," Ms Forsyth stated.
Glennon's solicitor said his client wishes to apologise to his victim, adding that it was a 'matter of shame' for him to be appearing in court for the first time.
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The judge noted that imprisoning Glennon would have repercussions on his son, whom he looks after. Glennon, from Giants Seat Grove in Salford, received a five-month suspended sentence for 18 months after admitting to common assault.
He was also instructed to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.
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