A MANCHESTER CITY fan has been banned for three years for the pitch invasion that saw Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen attacked.
Supporters ran on to the playing surface at the end of the nailbiting Premier League clash which saw City crowned champions.
Pep Guardiola’s side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to beat Villa in May and pip Liverpool to the title again.
However, there were ugly scenes as home fans swarmed the pitch and some clashed with Olsen as he tried to get down the tunnel to safety.
The Swede, though, tumbled to the ground when he was surrounded by City supporters, with Steven Gerrard describing the incident as an “attack”.
Daniel Potts, 26, hurdled a safety barrier then advertising hoardings and evaded stewards to be part of the mob on the field.
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He was arrested by police after being caught on CCTV and said he had simply followed other fans.
Potts, from Tameside, pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates Court on Thursday.
He was handed a three-year suspension from attending football matches.
And the lifelong City fan was also slapped with a £658 fine.
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He apologised for his actions during police interviewing.
Adrian Hollamby for CPS North west said: “The CPS are committed to taking a robust stance towards tackling football related disorder as we continue to play a crucial role in making sports such as football safe for the players and for the vast majority of supporters who want to attend and enjoy sport in a safe environment.
“The CPS is also currently working with the football clubs, player bodies and organisations, like the Premier League, the English Football League and the Football Association to explain what evidence is required to charge to help clubs and the leagues protect their players by ensuring we have all the evidence we need to build the strongest case possible.”
Meanwhile, Manchester City have been charged with failing to ensure supporters refrained from improper conduct after the match against Villa.
The FA has said City must answer the charge of failing to keep supporters in orderly conduct during the pitch invasion.
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The Etihad Stadium club are required to respond to the charge by August 25.
An FA spokesperson said: “It is alleged that after the final whistle of this fixture Manchester City FC failed to ensure that its spectators – and all persons purporting to be its supporters or followers – conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from using threatening and/or violent behaviour whilst encroaching onto the pitch.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
