Former Manchester United defender David May insists he never meant to taunt City

10 February 2011 07:32
Former Manchester United defender David May has angrily claimed a special fundraising event he was forced to cancel was never going to be a celebration of Manchester City's barren period without silverware.[LNB]United clash with City on Saturday, with supporters of the Reds never shy in reminding their local rivals that 35 years have passed since their last trophy.[LNB]May sparked controversy when he said those attending the 'United Nights' event would also be celebrating City's failure towin a trophy for 35 years. He received abusive phone calls and threats after that claim, and the ?20-a-head event in the city's Walkabout bar has been cancelled.[LNB] Taunts: Manchester United fans like to remind City about their barren spell[LNB]The former United defender said charities would miss out, with proceeds split between the Christie Hospital in Manchester, which treats patients for cancer, and the United Foundation, which helps a number of good causes.[LNB]A disappointed May said: 'It was never a party to celebrate City's 35 years without winning any silverware. That mention was just a bit of banter.[LNB]'It's disappointing because the majority of the proceeds were going to Christie Hospital and the United Foundation.[LNB]'It was an event for United fans from all over the world who were visiting for the derby. There were fans coming from Australia, Israel, Malta and Scandinavia.[LNB]'We raffle signed shirts, signed footballs and pictures and have auctions and most of the money raised goes to charity.[LNB] On top of the world: David May celebrates Manchester United's European Cup win in 1999[LNB]'Christie is very close to my heart and I feel very passionate about it. My grandma died of cancer and I have other family members who have suffered from the disease.[LNB]'I am upset that Christie are going to miss out. I am not a vicious person and it was never my intention to cause any anger or controversy. It was just friendly banter.[LNB]'My biggest gripe is that the charity won't benefit now and people have jumped on the bandwagon and said I hate City which is totally wrong.'[LNB]May has organised a series of United Night events before big matches in the past.[LNB]United are five points clear of City going into this weekend's televised clash. Fans will be hoping for more entertainment than was provided by the reverse game at Eastlands earlier this term, which ended in a 0-0 draw.[LNB] Derby delight for Man United as Serbia agree to leave Vidic out of friendlyBlow for Man City as Balotelli is set to miss derby clash against United [LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:Places: Israel, Australia, Malta, Scandinavia

Source: Daily_Mail