Fearing extreme reactions after Argentina eliminated England in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup, Lisandro Martinez and Alexis Mac Allister had to hire security personnel to protect their private residences.
Martinez and Mac Allister hired private security companies to stand guard at their homes in North West England immediately after the controversies surrounding the 2026 World Cup semifinal, in which Argentina defeated the “Three Lions” by a score of 2-1.
The security detail was maintained for two consecutive days to ensure safety as local fans’ emotions ran high following their team’s defeat.
Despite volatile crowd sentiment, reports show there were no extreme behaviors or vandalism attempts targeted at the two players’ properties.
Manchester United confirmed they were not involved in arranging the private security team for Martinez, stating it was a proactive decision made personally by the players to mitigate risks.
Tightening security is considered a necessary measure in a context where football stars frequently become targets of extreme behavior after major tournaments. However, both Martinez and Mac Allister continue to receive support from the fan communities at their respective clubs.
Manchester United and Liverpool supporters are well known for their tradition of prioritizing club over country. At Anfield and Old Trafford, banners such as “We are Scouse, not English” or “United > England” frequently appear, affirming the bond between fans and foreign players despite international rivalries
