Arrests demanded as police investigate Patrick Vieira-Everton incident – pundit
Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira should not be punished for his altercation with an Everton fan after his side’s loss on Thursday (19 May).
That’s according to former West Ham hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after Thursday’s pitch invasion.
In footage relayed by Sky Sports News from Thursday’s game, Vieira can be seen in an altercation with a supporter who came onto the pitch at Goodison Park.
The individual filmed and taunted the Crystal Palace boss with hand gestures, Vieira then lashes out before other Everton fans separate the pair.
As per The Times (20 May), Merseyside Police are now investigating the incident.
McAvennie insists Vieira had every right to defend himself.
“The Everton fan should be charged, he shouldn’t be on the pitch in the first place,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“He was filming Vieira and swearing at him, I’m not surprised he’s taken a swing at him.
“I have to say, I think I would do the same in that situation, you don’t know what these guys are going to do.
“We saw what happened with Billy Sharp in the week, the guy who assaulted him got 24 weeks. The same thing should happen here.
“The other thing is, what was Vieira doing out on the pitch anyway? He should have known to get off the pitch as soon as the fans step on.
“This whole thing needs to stop.
“Vieira has to show some control but if someone gets in your face like that, if he feels threatened then you can defend yourself.
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