PEP SENDS ‘BIG HUG’ TO ASSAULTED FAN

PEP GUARDIOLA has shown his support for the Manchester City fan who was attacked after the 5-1 Champions League victory at Club Bruges. Guido De Pauw was left in a coma with fears of brain damage after being set upon at a service station while travelling home with family and friends. The 63-year-old is in a stable condition and Guardiola (right) arrived at his media duties before today’s game at Brighton wearing a T-shirt displaying a message of solidarity. ‘All of the club and the organisation are with him,’ Guardiola said. ‘We are optimistic because, in the last hours, he is getting better. We are sending a big hug for him and all his family and we wish that he comes back to Etihad Stadium soon to follow us.’ Reports in

Belgium yesterday said two men remain in police custody. A lawyer for one of the alleged attackers said: ‘He is very sorry. He realises he’ll have to pay a lot and he is no longer allowed to go to football.’ Guardiola added: ‘It’s difficult to understand how people go to enjoy a game and terrible things happen.’