Fan spat in my ear, says angry Aguero

SERGIO AGUERO claimed a Wigan supporter spat in his ear during the ugly scenes which marred one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history. The Latics have identified the man who made a beeline for the Manchester City striker amid a pitch invasion at full-time. Aguero also revealed the verbal abuse directed at him, during a meeting with senior City staff and club lawyers yesterday, and is understood to be considering legal action. The supporter faces a lifetime ban if found guilty of assault should Aguero eventually report the incident. It is thought the 29-yearold was also struck on the head and he will not face sanctions from the FA for retaliating. Physiotherapist Steven Lilley pulled Aguero away before the situation could

escalate and the FA informed the player he will not be charged for his part in Monday’s unedifying scenes. The Argentine’s son Benjamin was celebrating his ninth birthday in the away end with his grandfather as events unfolded. Opposing supporters were goading each other in the wake of Wigan’s 1-0 win, with objects hurled and City left agitated by safety procedures. Wigan, Greater Manchester Police and the FA all opened investigations yesterday. Emotions boiled over just before the break after Fabian Delph’s red card for a lunge on Max Power, with the FA charging both clubs for failing to control their players. They have until 6pm on Friday to respond. Aguero played a key role in the tunnel fracas which followed, with Wigan manager Paul Cook infuriated by his complaints to referee Anthony Taylor after Nathan Byrne’s studs caught him high up the leg earlier in the first half. Sources claim Cook told Aguero to ‘stop crying’ and this, in part, prompted his heated exchange with Pep Guardiola. The argument spilled over into the tunnel as insults were traded. Another source claimed Guardiola’s reaction towards Cook — which was also sparked by his rival’s touchline manner — galvanised the League One club into engineering one of their greatest results courtesy of Will Grigg’s 79th-minute goal. The FA confirmed last night that no one from either club will face any disciplinary action over the tunnel spat.