Manchester City have issued an apology to Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen who was assaulted following City’s title-winning victory on Sunday.
After City secured its fourth Premier League crown in five years, home supporters at the Etihad Stadium stormed the pitch in celebration.
In footage from the television broadcast of the game, it appeared that a spectator made contact with the back of Olsen’s head as the Villa keeper was being escorted off the field.
The statement said: “Manchester City would like to sincerely apologize to Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen, who was assaulted after the final whistle at today’s match when fans entered the pitch.
“The Club has launched an immediate investigation and once identified, the individual responsible will be issued with an indefinite stadium ban.”
Villa manager Steven Gerrard had been asked during the post-game press conference by reporters if the club’s players had safely exited the pitch.
“No is the answer to that,” Gerrard replied.
“My goalkeeper was attacked. So, I think those questions should go to (manager) Pep (Guardiola) and Manchester City.”
Aston Villa later reported in a statement that Olsen was “completely fine” after the incident, but that he took a hit to the back of the head.
The club also said it is not sure if the incident was premeditated and would not be making a complaint.
City Boss, Guardiola, said he didn’t know the motive behind the action but said: “I am so sorry … I am so sorry on behalf of the club for Olsen and Aston Villa.
“It’s always difficult to understand why people react in that way, how (they) cannot celebrate themselves, be happy and not do this kind of things.
“I don’t know how (to stop it) … You cannot put 1,000 guards or police to control there. We are so sorry. It’s the bad news of today.”
However, on Monday, Greater Manchester Police announced that two men had been charged following the game and are set to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court.
“Both have been bailed ahead of the court appearances,” said a police statement.
“Enquiries into the reported assault of a player on the pitch after the final whistle are ongoing, with officers working in partnership with both football clubs.”
The English FA has said last week that it would work with the football clubs to address recent incidents of fans invading the pitch, vowing to review its regulations to put a stop to unruly fan behaviour.
That was after hundreds of spectators invaded the pitch at Goodison Park in Liverpool following Everton’s 3-2 win over Crystal Palace, putting them above the relegation spot.
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