Man City fan fined and given four-year ban for taunting Aston Villa keeper Robin Olsen in pitch invasion after title win
A MANCHESTER CITY fan has been banned for four years and fined after taunting Aston Villa keeper Robin Olsen during a huge pitch invasion.
Olsen was led away covering his head when confronted by Etihad supporters celebrating City’s title-clinching comeback win on the final day of the Premier League season.
Paul Colbridge, 37, from Salford, apologised for his ‘moment of madness’ as he pleaded guilty to going onto a playing area at a football match without lawful authority or excuse.
An alleged assault on Olsen in a separate incident during the pitch intrusion is still being investigated.
Prosecutor Nick Smart told Manchester Magistrates’ Court on-field invasions had risen dramatically since the coronavirus pandemic and that Colbridge’s actions had provoked Villa fans.
Such behaviour, Smart argued, “encourages others to act in a similar fashion”.
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Representing himself, Colbridge said: “It was a stupid act and something I regretted immediately.
“To me, it was fuelled by alcohol.
“The following Monday I sought out someone from the club and sent an apology by email. I also apologised on one of the City forums.
“It was a moment of madness. Pure elation. I wear my heart on my sleeve.
“I have been going to City for 20-odd years, I’m a season ticket holder and I’ve never been on the pitch before.”
City recovered from 2-0 down win 3-2 and retain the Prem crown from Liverpool by a point.
And for going too far with his celebrations Colbridge must pay a fine and costs totalling £795.
Thousands of home fans dashed on at the final whistle on May 22 as players from both team were still on the pitch.
Some supporters came up to Olsen while he walked along the edge of his penalty area – and he soon had to dash off.
Chair of the magistrates’ bench Wallace Johnson told Colbridge: “What you did was deliberate and flagrant.
“You deliberately targeted the Aston Villa players on the pitch.
“You caused distress and alarm to the players on the pitch, the match officials, the stewards, the fans in the stadium and those watching at home.”