Manchester City apologise for 'disgusting' moment after triumph
Manchester City have apologised to Robin Olsen and vowed to indefinitely ban the fan who attacked Aston Villa's goalkeeper during a pitch invasion at the Etihad.
The wild scenes unfolded after an equally chaotic season finale, in which City staged an astonishing fight back from 2-0 down to snatch a 3-2 win and clinch their fourth Premier League title in five seasons.
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Needing to win to be assured of holding off Liverpool - who won 3-1 against Wolves - City were in danger of blowing it as Matty Cash and former Reds star Philippe Coutinho struck at the Etihad Stadium.
Yet Pep Guardiola's side showed all their champion quality to rally with Ilkay Gundogan coming off the bench to score twice either side of a superb Rodri strike in a remarkable five-minute spell.
It sparked scenes of hysteria around City's home ground and fans swarmed the pitch to celebrate after the final whistle.
However, as an official escorted Olsen off the pitch in the middle of the chaos, footage caught several home fans appearing to attack the Villa goalkeeper.
Villa boss Steven Gerrard, when asked if everyone got off the pitch OK, said: "The answer is no.
"My goalkeeper was attacked. I think those questions should go to Pep [Guadiola] and Manchester City."
City swiftly released a statement.
"Manchester City would like to sincerely apologise to Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen, who was assaulted after the final whistle at today's match when fans entered the pitch," the club said.
"The club has launched an immediate investigation and once identified, the individual responsible will be issued with an indefinite stadium ban."
Animals being let out at football again. These people have no business on pitches. Happening far too often. Disgraceful to see this - again, like Viera during the week, you’d swear Olsen was a big rival to City fans. Disgusting stuff. https://t.co/5R0rzc6HKl
— Paul Little (@little_football) May 22, 2022
Aston Villa keeper Robin Olsen ‘attacked’ during Man City pitch invasion, yet again shows how disgusting some fans are in the UK and should be absolutely ashamed. The #FA need to introduce tougher laws sooner rather than later, putting players life’s at risk.
— Daniel Milne (@MrDanielMilne) May 22, 2022
Hope the City fans that attacked Olsen get a life ban from all grounds disgusting behaviour what's wrong with these morons?
— Colin (@ColinGr30539155) May 22, 2022
I’ve just seen the footage of what Robin Olsen had to experience, that is absolutely disgraceful, he’s been physically assaulted multiple times, disgusting scenes. It has to be investigated.
— 🔴⭐️🇺🇦 (@AzeezThings) May 22, 2022
If you invade your pitch your team gets a points deduction. Simple only way to stop it absolutely disgusting. Hope Olsen is ok!
— 🇺🇦🇺🇦White Seats ⬜️🇺🇦🇺🇦 (@dobes77) May 22, 2022
Absolutely disgraceful scenes. Manchester City are currently saying it’s just one fan who assaulted Robin Olsen but it’s absolutely clear it was more than that. Disgusting behaviour from all concerned. Football would be a far better place without them #shameful https://t.co/fLIBQvnoxm
— Estella Joyce 🌟 (@LelJoyce) May 22, 2022
English football rocked by more fan trouble
The assault, which came as fans celebrated City's dramatic title win on Sunday, is the latest in a series of incidents following mass incursions onto the pitch.
Last week a Nottingham Forest fan was jailed for 24 weeks after headbutting Sheffield United's Billy Sharp following a promotion playoff match.
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira was involved in an altercation after Everton fans invaded the pitch on Thursday at Goodison Park.
Further footage has since emerged of Palace players Wilfried Zaha and Ebere Eze being confronted by fans. The Football Association and Merseyside Police are investigating.
"There are real issues here to reflect on," said Vieira on Sunday.
"You don't know what can happen. When you don't know what can happen of course you fear for anything, for the players.
"As a coach, manager, player or staff we want to be safe in our workplace. I think there is a big issue on the FA and Premier League's plate to deal with."
Vieira revealed he would be happy to speak to the FA about his own incident but stressed England faced a country-wide problem.
with agencies
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