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The Sun admits reporter was present during attack on Woodward's home

PAUL ELLIS / AFP / Getty

The Sun admits one of its reporters was present during an attack on Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward's home.

Manchester United filed a complaint against The Sun to Britain's press regulator, the Independent Press Standards Organization (IPSO), on Friday accusing the tabloid of knowing about the attack beforehand.

While The Sun acknowledges their reporter was tipped off about a protest outside Woodward's residence, the publication insists it didn't encourage the violence that unfolded, contrary to United's accusation.

"We have been made aware this evening of a complaint to IPSO by Manchester United," The Sun said in a statement, according to BBC's Dan Roan. "The Sun condemns fully the attack on Mr. Woodward’s home and is happy to cooperate fully with any police inquiry.

"However The Sun, like all newspapers, vigorously defends its right to report. Following a tip-off that there was to be a protest a Sun reporter attended. The Sun accurately reported the events that unfolded."

"At no time was our reporter made aware of what was to take place nor incited it or encouraged any criminal activity," the statement continued. "The article made it clear that the behavior was criminal and unacceptable. The Sun supports wholeheartedly the Editors’ Code Of Conduct and will defend the complaint to IPSO."

The incident took place on Jan. 28 when a group of people wearing balaclavas launched flares at Woodward's home and spray-painted graffiti on the front gates.

The Sun could be fined up to £1 million if it's found to have breached the IPSO editors’ code and journalistic ethics.

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