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Football

23rd May 2022

Two football fans charged following Manchester City’s win against Villa

Charlie Herbert

Tow Manchester City fans arrested

The enquiry into the reported assault of Aston Villa keeper Robin Olsen is ongoing

Two football fans have been charged following Manchester City’s 3-2 win against Aston Villa on Sunday.

City scored three goals in less than six minutes to turn around a 2-0 deficit on the final day of the Premier League season and clinch the title, prompting scenes of jubilation and delirium.

Two men have now been arrested following the game, Greater Manchester Police have announced.

Phillip Maxwell, 28, of Anzio Row, Knowsley, has been charged with throwing a missile onto the pitch. He will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday (May 23).

Meanwhile, Paul Colbridge, 37, of Whitegate Drive, Salford, has been charged with going onto the pitch and will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on June 7.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: “Two football fans have been charged following Manchester City’s Premier League game with Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium yesterday.”

They added that both have been bailed ahead of the court appearances, and that enquiries into the assault on Villa keeper Robin Olsen are still ongoing, with officers working with both clubs as part of this investigation.

The news comes after a series of disturbing events involving fans on the pitch in recent days.

Last week, a man was jailed for headbutting Billy Sharp following Nottingham Forest’s penalty shootout win against Sheffield United in the Championship play-offs.

This was followed by Swindon Town players appearing to be attacked by Port Vale fans during a pitch invasion following a penalty shootout in the League Two play-offs.

And Patrick Vieira was accosted by a fan after Everton secured survival last weekend, kicking out after being taunted whilst making his way across the pitch to the tunnel following the final whistle.

Football's week of shame

Pitch invasions are becoming more frequent, and more sinister.Physically and verbally abusing footballers is not ok.Football fans must do better.

Posted by JOE.co.uk on Friday, May 20, 2022

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