It’s been a week of highs and lows in football. After multiple incidents, players are calling for the FA to do more to protect them after numerous occasions in recent weeks of players being assaulted by ‘fans’.
Here are four incidents from the past week:
Nottingham Forest vs Sheffield United
The start to a dreadful run of pitch invasion incidents came on Tuesday.
After an unbelievable game of 120 minutes and penalties saw Nottingham Forest beat Sheffield United to earn themselves a place in the Championship play-off final, United player Billy Sharp was injured due to a pitch invader who had knocked him to the ground. It is reported that Sharp required four stitches after being head butted.
Nottingham Forest season ticket holder, Robert Biggs, of Church View, Ilkeston, was jailed for 24 weeks for the assault. The 30-year-old electrician was also given a 10-year football banning order.
“It’s assault. We’ve seen one of our players attacked.
He’s shuck up, bleeding, angry. It’ll be dealt with.”
Hecky on Billy Sharp. pic.twitter.com/bgbLoFjr3s
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) May 17, 2022
Port Vale vs Swindon Town
Similar to the Nottingham Forest match, a great game of football was ruined by a small handful of supporters. After the Vale beat Swindon on penalties, the home side’s supporters rushed onto the pitch.
Sky Sports cameras picked up Port Vale supporters surrounding ex Vale player Harry Mckirdy and his Swindon teammates.
As of yet, no one has been arrested but Port Vale has said anyone found guilty will not be welcomed back to Vale Park.
Mandela Egbo was one of the Swindon Town players caught up in the pitch invasion.
How you scummy fans get two free shots and only manage a scratch? & I’m supposed to keep my cool – if I react I’m the bad guy right? pic.twitter.com/yEr8Pxs3sA
— Mandela Egbo (@mandela_e) May 19, 2022
Everton vs Crystal Palace
After Everton came back from 2-0 down to beat Crystal Palace 3-2, Toffees fans stormed the pitch which led to yet again another incident.
This time it was Crystal Palace manager, Patrick Vieira receiving abuse. The Palace manager can be seen retaliating and kicking an Everton fan.
Patrick Vieira has been filmed in an altercation with an Everton fan on the pitch at Goodison Park during tonight’s pitch invasion. pic.twitter.com/MOliWvsSHJ
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 19, 2022
Manchester City Vs Aston Villa
After Manchester City completed a five-minute turnaround to win the Premier League title, their fans entered the pitch. Another moment was ruined by mindless fans who attacked Robin Oslen several times.
City boss Pep Guardiola has apologised on behalf of the club both to Olsen and Villa.
Robin Olsen via Instagram: "Those idiots who attacked me will not destroy my emotions of today's game. I got the opportunity to make my debut for this fantastic club, and we were close to getting a good result against a tough opponent. UTV." 🇸🇪 #AVFC pic.twitter.com/pnM6HyOgIo
— Ashley Preece (@PreeceObserver) May 22, 2022
