Manchester City say Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen was assaulted as he made his way from the pitch following Sunday’s game at the Etihad.
Greater Manchester Police are looking into the incident.
City won the Premier League title in dramatic fashion on Sunday, with substitute Ilkay Gundogan scoring twice as Pep Guardiola’s side fought back from two goals down to win 3-2.
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It was a result that earned City the Premier League title, with Liverpool beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 at Anfield.
City’s victory resulted in a pitch invasion at the Etihad — which Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard said led to Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen being “attacked”.
When asked after the match whether or not his players made it to the dressing room safely, Gerrard said: “The answer is no. My goalkeeper was attacked.
“I think those questions should go to Pep and Manchester City.”
City said in a statement: “(We) would like to sincerely apologise to Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen, who was assaulted after the final whistle at today’s match when fans entered the pitch.
“The club has launched an immediate investigation and once identified, the individual responsible will be issued with an indefinite stadium ban.”
Greater Manchester Police told The Athletic: “Officers are working alongside Manchester City and Aston Villa Football Clubs following a reported assault that took place on the pitch after Manchester City’s fixture against Aston Villa on Sunday 22 May 2022.
“A footballer was reported to have been assaulted following a pitch invasion at the end of the game, with no injuries reported.
“Officers are working in partnership with both football clubs to identify those responsible.”
The Athletic understands the FA will open an investigation into the pitch invasion.
It is understood Villa do not intend to make an official complaint about the incident.
The incident comes at the end of a worrying week for English football, with a series of ugly pitch invasions causing a number of managers to express their concern.
Prior to City’s title victory, there had been five pitch invasions since Monday, which resulted in players being assaulted, arrests made and Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira clashing with a fan.
According to the Football Offences Act 1991, it is an offence for fans to enter the pitch “without lawful authority or lawful excuse”.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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