Manchester United have cancelled a show by David Icke at their Old Trafford stadium after protests from Jewish groups.

“An Evening With David Icke” was due to take place in a hospitality suite at the ground on the evening of Friday November 17.

Mr Icke, a former BBC sports broadcaster turned conspiracy theorist, is known for his references to “Rothschild Zionists” controlling world events, and promotes the ideas of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a notoriously antisemitic Tsarist forgery about Jewish control of the world.

When organisations including North West Friends of Israel, Sussex Friends of Israel and the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAAS) expressed their concern to club, the booking was dropped.

In a statement, Manchester United said: “The booking was made by a junior member of staff who was unaware of Icke and his objectionable views. The event has been cancelled.”

North West Friends of Israel hailed the move as a “fantastic result”.

Kate Green, the local Labour MP, tweeted: “Thanks to constituents who've raised concerns about the planned event with David Icke at Old Trafford. I've been in contact with @ManUtd this morning, and I'm pleased the event has been cancelled.”

In comments on his own Twitter, Mr Icke branded Manchester United “a disgrace “ for calling off his show “on the say-so of ultra-Zionist hate group and freedom-destroying Labour MP”.

In a tweet, Kick It Out, UK football’s anti-racism organisation, said it was concerned that Mr Icke was allowed to book an event at Old Trafford in the first place, but added: “We are pleased the appropriate action has been taken by @ManUtd.

“Antisemitism has no place in football or wider society.”