Copenhagen goalscorer is charged with police assault
FC COPENHAGEN goalscorer Michael santos and one of the club’s stewards have been charged over an alleged assault on a police officer during the club’s Europa league match with Celtic.
The Danish club said both were spoken to by Police scotland following their 3-1 victory at Celtic Park on Thursday.
Footage appeared to show an incident involving another Copenhagen goalscorer, Pep Biel, in which the club say he was grabbed by ‘an official’.
Copenhagen said a steward ‘tried to prevent a clash’ before being taken away by officers, with santos also speaking to police. Both have since been charged over the incident.
A statement on the club’s website said: ‘After Pep Biel’s goal... there was turmoil in front of the FCK fan section after an official grabbed Pep Biel during the celebration.
‘one of our stewards tried to prevent a clash and was led away and talked with scottish police. Michael santos also talked with the police, who subsequently have charged them both.
‘They travelled home with the team, and we are now waiting to see if the scottish police will pursue the case. We will cooperate if they want more information.’
Eight fans were also arrested at the game in Glasgow on Thursday.
A police spokesman said: ‘six home and two away supporters were detained over minor disorder offences. in connection with an assault, we can confirm two males aged 42 and 26 were charged and a report will be made to the procurator fiscal.’
COPENHAGEN players have accused Scottish police of heavy-handed tactics after goalscorer Michael Santos was charged with an alleged assault on an officer during their shock Europa League victory over Celtic. Celebrations were spoiled when Santos, who opened the scoring at Parkhead, was shown by TV cameras clashing with a policeman after running to celebrate with his own fans. Several Copenhagen players became embroiled in arguments with police, who were trying to curtail wild scenes. A Danish travelling steward was also led away. Police Scotland have confirmed that two men — aged 26 and 42 — have now been reported to the procurator fiscal and that
drew an angry response from club captain Carlos Zeca. ‘The police should not tackle a player,’ said the Greek midfielder. ‘People have to understand that it’s football — it’s an emotional game. ‘Of course, you shouldn’t jump into the stands, but we wanted to be close to our own supporters and celebrate with them.’ Team-mate Rasmus Falk echoed those sentiments after his assist for the crucial second goal sparked the melee. ‘I think there needs to be a greater understanding,’ he said. ‘We just wanted to rejoice with those who were with us. ‘We were in the process of creating a huge result, so you have to have a sense of the situation for those emotions to be displayed. ‘Our fans were extremely happy, we were extremely happy. Let’s celebrate it. ‘It was a good situation. We were displaying joy and we didn’t stay in that area for long. ‘You must be allowed to celebrate.’ In a club statement on their official website, Copenhagen said: ‘One of our stewards tried to prevent a clash and was led away and talked with Scottish police. ‘Michael Santos also talked with the police, who subsequently have charged them both. ‘They travelled home with the team and we are now waiting to see if the Scottish police will pursue the case. ‘We will co-operate if they want more information from the club.’ A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: ‘Eight arrests were made at the Europa League fixture between Celtic and Copenhagen last night. ‘Six home and two away supporters were detained over minor disorder offences. ‘In connection with an assault, we can confirm two males aged 42 and 26 were charged and a report will be made to the procurator fiscal.’