Trafford Council has taken it to the Lancashire County Courts in a move that may have serious ramifications for Manchester United's plans for a new stadium.
Local authority officials have acted after a member of the public was injured at a Red Chili Peppers concert at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in 2022.
They are prosecuting not only Lancashire but also the giant live music promoter, which has a long history of hosting gigs in the area. That move has sparked serious concerns about the potential damage to the relationship and fears that Live Nation may no longer wish to host any events at Trafford and therefore United's proposed new home.
Mail Sport understands the matter has caught the attention of Greater Manchester mayor 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, with a 10-day trial date set for March 2027. It is understood the incident occurred when a visitor was caught by a lorry against a lit cabin. the site.
The prospect of matter lingering in the background as United, who as Sports Mail revealed on Saturday night, now have government backing for their vast regeneration project, look to press ahead, is not considered useful.
Man United's plans to build a new 100,000 capacity super stadium could soon be derailed
Trafford Council has taken Lancashire County Cricket Club to court, after a member of the public was injured at a Red Chili Peppers concert at Old Trafford Cricket 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 of the Red Hot Chili Peppers)
If United builds a new 100,000-capacity home, the hope is that concerts by some of the biggest stars on the planet will become a key revenue driver and regular fixture.
Live Nation Ticketmaster, based in the United States, and are considered the leading global promoter. They dominate the industry, have interests in multiple locations, and also run security and marketing.
“They're not the kind of people you want to bother when you're 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 effect for Lancashire, for which concerts form a major part of its business plan. In 2023, the club's conference and events business generated £4.1 million in revenue.
A Trafford Council spokesperson said: 'Trafford Council can confirm that Lancashire Cricket Club and Live Nation are being prosecuted for health and safety offenses in relation to an incident at the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert held at the Cricket Emirates Old Trafford on June 22, 2022. . 'It is understood that they feel the incident was serious enough to justify their actions.
Lancashire has been contacted for comment.
