Villa keeper attacked during pitch invasion
MANCHESTER CITY last night promised to issue a lifetime ban to the fan who assaulted Aston Villa’s Robin Olsen. Thousands of home supporters invaded the Etihad Stadium pitch after City sealed the Premier League title yesterday. Olsen, who had deputised for Emiliano Martinez, was struck by a fan during a pitch invasion. The shameful attack follows fans at Nottingham Forest, Port Vale and Everton being investigated after flashpoints with players and coaching staff during pitch invasions over the past week. Asked if his squad made it back inside without any issues, Villa boss Steven Gerrard said: ‘No, my goalkeeper was attacked. ‘I think those questions should go to Manchester City. We’ll go and check if he’s OK now.’ City responded with a statement. ‘The club would like to sincerely apologise to Robin Olsen, who was assaulted after the final whistle when fans entered the pitch,’ it read. ‘The club has launched an immediate investigation and once identified, the individual will be issued an indefinite stadium ban.’ City boss Pep Guardiola added: ‘I’m so sorry on behalf of the club. It is difficult to think why people react in that way. Hopefully we can discover the person and he can be punished.’ Gerrard revealed his frustration at a failure to hang on to a 2-0 lead that would have contributed towards his old club Liverpool lifting the title. ‘I think we did everything well up until the 70th minute,’ he said. ‘The game plan was working for three quarters of the game and I’m slightly disappointed we didn’t play a little bit more football at 2-0 to rest and stay with the ball. ‘We decided to go into a protective shell.’
● VILLA will sign Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara, 22, on a five-year deal when his contract with the Ligue 1 club expires this summer. Gerrard said last night: ‘We have an interest.’