Police probe derby match confrontation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Police said today that they were investigating an incident in which Manchester City footballer Craig Bellamy confronted a fan on the pitch.
Bellamy marched towards the man, who staged a solo pitch invasion, and shoved him in the face before the fan was led away by match stewards at the Manchester derby game.
The man ran from the Manchester United home section as Manchester City took the kick-off following Michael Owen's dramatic late goal in United's exhilarating 4-3 victory.
Neither the fan nor the Wales international winger have made a complaint to police about the clash yesterday.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "At the end of the derby between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, a member of the public ran on to the pitch, and was detained by police and security staff.
"During this time, there was an altercation between the man and a player from Manchester City FC.
"No formal complaint has been made by either party but police are continuing to make inquiries."
Following the Premier League match, City boss Mark Hughes said it was "not acceptable" for the fan to invade the playing area.
"I seem to recall Brian Clough clipping someone around the ear, and he was lauded as a national hero," said Hughes.
"Maybe it will be the same case with Craig - but I doubt it.
"I'm sure people will make a nuisance about it, but the guy should not have been on the pitch. That is not acceptable."
Greater Manchester Police will also investigate a coin-throwing attack on City substitute Javier Garrido, who was struck as he headed down the tunnel at half-time.
The missile was launched from the home section of the crowd as Garrido walked alongside the probable intended target, Carlos Tevez, who was jeered throughout by United fans following his transfer from the home team in the summer.
Police said there were no reports of any widespread disorder between fans at either the ground or in the city centre.
Twelve people were arrested at the ground for a variety of public order offences and a further 10 were arrested in the city.
A total of 51 supporters were ejected from Old Trafford during the match.