Robin Olsen: Manchester City apologise to Aston Villa goalkeeper after alleged assault during pitch invasion

City to investigate and serve indefinite stadium ban

Mark Critchley
Northern Football Correspondent
Sunday 22 May 2022 19:22 BST
Comments
Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen
Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester City have apologised to Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen after he was attacked during the pitch invasion which followed their comeback win to claim the Premier League title.

City trailed 2-0 to Villa and were at risk of surrendering top spot on the final day but a stunning comeback, with three goals in the space of five minutes, secured their fourth title in five seasons.

Ilkay Gundogan scored twice, either side of Rodri's equaliser, to ensure the defending champions would finish one point ahead of Liverpool, who beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1.

Joyous scenes met the final whistle at the Etihad with thousands of supporters running onto the pitch but Villa manager Steven Gerrard later claimed that Olsen had been attacked while attempting to leave the field.

When asked if his players had got away safely at full time, Gerrard said: "The answer is no. My goalkeeper was attacked. I think those questions should go to Pep [Guardiola] and Manchester City."

City apologised in a club statement, which read: "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 has launched an immediate investigation and once identified, the individual responsible will be issued with an indefinite stadium ban."

The incident is the latest of several following pitch invasions across English football over the past week involving Everton, Nottingham Forest and Port Vale.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in