ZCZC
BSP-04
FBL-ENG-PR-FACUP-PITCH-ARRESTS
Police make arrests after pitch invasions
LONDON, March 17, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Police arrested a number of fans on
Saturday after pitch invasions marred the Premier League match between
Bournemouth and Newcastle and Swansea’s FA Cup quarter-final at home to
Manchester City.
Trouble caused by supporters entering the field of play has been in the
spotlight following high-profile incidents last weekend, including an attack
on Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish.
Seven Newcastle fans were arrested on Saturday, including a 14-year-old
boy, on suspicion of invading the field of play during the 2-2 draw at
Bournemouth.
A possible assault of a female steward, who suffered an injury to her nose,
is also being investigated.
Travelling supporters spilled onto the playing surface at the Vitality
Stadium while celebrating a stoppage-time equaliser from Newcastle winger
Matt Ritchie.
“Six men and a 14-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of going onto the
playing area at a football match from the away supporters’ stand and are
assisting officers with their inquiries,” read a statement from Dorset
Police.
“One female steward sustained an injury to her nose during the incident and
investigations are under way to establish whether any assault took place.”
South Wales Police announced that three male youths remained in custody
following two separate incidents for encroachment onto the pitch during the
Swans’ 3-2 defeat to City at the Liberty Stadium.
In a statement, police match commander Superintendent Steve Jones said:
“The safety of supporters, players, officials and those who work these games
is paramount.
“Those who invade the playing area are committing a criminal offence, will
be dealt with robustly and could face lengthy bans from all football matches.
We will continue to work with the football club to prevent and deter this
unacceptable behaviour from a very small minority continuing.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said: “It’s happened a few times
lately and it’s a worry because in the future we could have problems.
“It’s not nice but thankfully nothing happened this time.”
Birmingham supporter Paul Mitchell was jailed after punching Grealish in
last Sunday’s second city derby, while Manchester United defender Chris
Smalling was confronted by an Arsenal fan on the same day.
Those events followed Rangers captain James Tavernier being confronted by a
pitch invader at Hibernian two days earlier.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0900 hrs