Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard said goalkeeper Robin Olsen was attacked as Manchester City fans poured onto the pitch on Sunday to celebrate the Premier League title. The alleged attack on Olsen came after the Premier League and the English Football Association called on clubs to do more to prevent supporters from taking the field on Friday. The City fans had rushed onto the pitch after a dramatic backlash saw their side retain the title. City looked ready to hand over the crown to Liverpool, as they trailed 0-2 with 14 minutes remaining.
But substitute Ilkay Gundogan struck twice in five minutes on either side of Rodri’s strike in a remarkable late rally.
In a repeat of ugly scenes as Everton secured their survival in the Premier League on Thursday, supporters flocked to the pitch both after the winning goal and in greater numbers at full-time.
“No is the answer to that,” Gerrard said when asked if his players escaped unharmed.
“My goalkeeper was attacked and I think those questions should go to Pep (Guardiola) and Manchester City. We’re going to see if he’s okay now.”
City apologized to Olsen and promised to launch an investigation immediately.
“Manchester City would like to offer their sincere apologies to Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen, who was attacked after the final whistle of today’s game as fans took to the field,” City said in a statement.
“The club has immediately launched an investigation and once the person responsible has been identified, an indefinite stadium ban will be imposed.”
The crossbar at the end where City scored was lowered by the weight of fans climbing on it.
The attack on Olsen is the latest in a series of worrying incidents involving fans, players and coaching staff.
Merseyside police opened an investigation after Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira verbally abused an Everton fan for taunting him on Thursday.
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A Nottingham Forest fan was jailed this week for headbutting Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp after Tuesday’s second leg Championship play-off semi-final.
There was also disarray in Port Vale on Thursday, with Swindon manager Ben Garner saying his players were “physically and verbally abused” following their defeat in the semi-final of the League Two play-offs.
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