A PITCH INVADER who attacked a footballer soon regretted it – after the player decided to get his own back.
A match between Colombian top division sides Millonarios and Deportes Tolima was just about to begin when an intruder made his way on to the field from the stands.
The supporter of home team Tolima sprinted up to rival player Daniel Catano while he was doing some pre-match stretches.
He attacked the midfielder, punching him on the head before attempting to run away.
But the 31-year-old star didn’t fall to the ground and instead began to chase the fan looking for revenge.
Catano managed to catch up with the fan and before his team-mate or security could stop him, he hit the man back, knocking him to the floor.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
The Millonarios ace used to play for Tolima, which perhaps led to him being the target of the attack.
Catano was sent off by the referee and his fuming team decided to walk off the pitch, refusing to play.
The match was eventually postponed but the controversy did not stop there.
Tolima president Cesar Camargo accused Millonarios of sabotage, saying: “The fan is out of control and will have to be prosecuted.
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
“And for a team to withdraw from the field is a boycott of the game and the sport, it is not worth putting pressure on us in that way.”
Reports suggest Millonarios tried to negotiate the match’s restart but wanted Catano’s red card to not count.
The referee refused and no Categoria Primera A game was played.
In a statement, the Bogota-based side, who are one of the most successful teams in Colombia, said they withdrew from the game over safety concerns.
Millionarios captain David Silva said: “Safety of the coaching staff, players, is above anything else. We have to set a precedent so that we educate ourselves as a society. We have to take care of each other.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
