Man City fan handed three-year ban after pitch invasion which saw Robin Olsen attacked

Manchester City's famous 3-2 victory over Aston Villa on the final day of last season was marred by a large-scale pitch invasion which saw visiting goalkeeper Robin Olsen attacked

A Manchester City supporter has been handed a three-year ban for invading the pitch on the final day of the Premier League season.

The Citizens were crowned champions on May 22, having produced an epic comeback to beat Aston Villa 3-2. Amid the jubilation, lifelong City fan Daniel Potts was part of large-scale pitch invasion which saw Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen attacked.

Potts ran onto the field alongside other fans towards Sweden international Olsen, who appeared to stumble as the group passed him and a steward ushered him off the pitch. The 26-year-old, from Tameside, plead guilty in regards to invading the pitch before Magistrates on Thursday morning and was sentenced to a £658 fine as well as a three-year football banning order.

Potts' invasion of the pitch was caught on CCTV. According to a statement from the Crown Prosecution Service, he first stepped across the safety barrier before pushing through the line of stewards. Potts then climbed over an advertising board to reach the field of play shortly after the full-time whistle.

Having been arrested by police officers and admitting that he went onto the pitch, Potts claimed that he followed other supporters. In his interview, he apologised for his actions.

Adrian Hollamby for CPS North west said: "The CPS are committed to taking a robust stance towards tackling football related disorder as we continue to play a crucial role in making sports such as football safe for the players and for the vast majority of supporters who want to attend and enjoy sport in a safe environment.

"The CPS is also currently working with the football clubs, player bodies and organisations, like the Premier League, the English Football League and the Football Association to explain what evidence is required to charge to help clubs and the leagues protect their players by ensuring we have all the evidence we need to build the strongest case possible."

City have also been charged with failing to ensure their fans refrained from improper conduct. The FA have stated that the Citizens must respond by Thursday, August 25, as Greater Manchester police continue to investigate events and alleged offences after two people were charged in relation to the pitch invasion.

"Manchester City FC has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20 following its Premier League fixture against Aston Villa FC on Sunday, May 22, 2022," an FA spokesperson explained.

"It is alleged that after the final whistle of this fixture Manchester City FC failed to ensure that its spectators – and all persons purporting to be its supporters or followers – conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from using threatening and/or violent behaviour whilst encroaching onto the pitch.

"Manchester City FC has until Thursday, August 25, 2022 to provide a response to this charge."