Guernsey Press

A week of shame: Football’s pitch invasion battle

Sunday’s events came after ugly scenes at the City Ground, Goodison Park and Vale Park.

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Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen became the latest victim of pitch-invasion violence when he was attacked during Manchester City’s title celebrations at the Etihad Stadium.

Sunday’s events came after ugly scenes earlier in the week, with incidents at Goodison Park and Vale Park after fans spilled onto the pitch, while a supporter was jailed for assaulting Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp at Nottingham Forest.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the incidents to have occurred in recent days.

Tuesday – City Ground

Nottingham Forest season-ticket holder Robert Biggs was jailed for 24 weeks on Thursday after he deliberately charged at Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp and headbutted him following a pitch invasion at the end of the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final second leg. It knocked the Blades forward to the ground while team-mate Oli McBurnie was also involved in a situation where he tangled with a fan. The Football Association has opened an investigation.

Wednesday – Sixfields

A day later and Mansfield forward Jordan Bowery had a Northampton fan barge into him during the second leg of their League Two play-off tie. It occurred towards the end of the fixture, which the visiting Stags won 1-0. The EFL has already insisted it will consider “further measures” to tackle crowd misbehaviour over the summer.

Thursday – Vale Park

Port Vale v Swindon Town – Sky Bet League Two – Play Off – Semi Final – Second Leg – Vale Park
Swindon players try to get off the Vale Park pitch after a pitch invasion by Port Vale fans (Nick Potts/PA)

Thursday – Goodison Park

There were two separate occasions where the Everton faithful spilled onto the Goodison Park pitch. Initially after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal, which proved to be the winner in a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace that secured Premier League survival, and again at full-time. The first thankfully went by with there being little to note but the second resulted in Palace boss Patrick Vieira being involved in an apparent altercation with an Everton fan. The Eagles manager had to walk across the pitch to get back to the away dugout and after seemingly being goaded by a spectator, Vieira turned and tried to grab the fan before he appeared to swing a kick in his direction. Other supporters helped to break up the melee but it was the latest sour moment with fans on the pitch in England this week.

Sunday – Etihad Stadium

Manchester City v Aston Villa – Premier League – Etihad Stadium
Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen, pictured after conceding Manchester City’s third goal (Martin Rickett/PA)
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