Manchester United fans are no longer allowed to bring iPads and “large electronic devices” to Old Trafford. In an email circulated to supporters before Tuesday night’s friendly against Valencia, the club instructed fans to leave their tablets at home: “Supporters cannot bring large electronic devices (bigger than 150mmx100mm) inside the stadium. For example, iPads or other tablet devices and laptops are now prohibited. Also please be aware that large bags, large cameras and liquids (with the exception of a small bottle of water with the top removed) are included in our list of prohibited items.”
Old Trafford’s list of banned items would make any self-respecting airline jealous. Among other things, fans are not allowed to bring canned drinks, dark plastic bottles, drink cartons, drinking glasses, glass bottles, flasks, water in excess of 500ml, baby buggies, prams, camcorders, darts, fireworks, flares, knives, weapons, large bags or suitcases, large umbrellas, flags or banners greater than 2m x 1m or of an offensive nature, poles, sticks, tools, radios, smoke or gas canisters, and telescopic or long-lens cameras to the stadium.
The club have now added tablet devices to that list. Presumably the ban is in place to stop fans from recording the action, but the new rule could affect people who have travelled to the game from work, or as part of a weekend away, or those who have brought along their device to entertain kids on the long train journey to the stadium.
Have you ever taken an iPad to a sporting event and did you use it to film the match? What other items should be banned from sports events and what is the oddest thing you have seen at a match?
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