Manchester City have launched an investigation after the Aston Villa goalkeeper was attacked during the invasion of the field – Sky experts Gary Neville and Roy Keane called the perpetrators “idiots” and “scoundrels”.
This happened when the fans invaded the Etihad field after City won the Premier League title with a remarkable comeback.
The video shows Robin Olsen being touched or slapped on the back of the head by a fan and pushed by another before a third man apparently punches him in the face – although it is unclear whether this was intentional.
Olsen is “perfectly fine”, but has received a “blow to the back of the head”, said Aston Villa – who consider the matter closed and will not file a complaint.
Other recent incidents include invading the field, including a fan who was jailed for hitting the head of Billy Sharp of Sheffield United and Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira, who was embroiled in a quarrel with an Everton supporter.
Former Manchester United stars Neville and Keane have said this is deeply troubling.
“Running on the pitch is obviously crazy – they won the league – so I understand that,” Neville said.
“But attacking the opposition players on the field, where does this come from? Why is this happening? … This is absolutely ridiculous.”
Keane, who played with Neville at Manchester United, called it a “disgrace” and suggested that someone might even “do something stupid, like stabbing a player”.
“A player or a manager will be seriously injured,” he said.
Manchester City have said they want to “sincerely apologize” to Olsen.
“The club has launched an immediate investigation and once identified, the person in charge will receive an indefinite ban on the stadium,” the statement said.
The FA will also investigate and said it was “very concerned about the increase in anti-social behavior by fans when we reach the end of the season”.
“Clubs have a vital role to play in tackling this problem and must prevent the invasion of the field, as well as take their own action against those who break the rules and the law,” the statement said.
“The FA will strive to do everything in its power to work with the clubs, as well as to address issues from a disciplinary point of view.”
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