Robin Olsen: Expert issues ‘huge’ Aston Villa verdict after Police announcement
The authorities need to clamp down on pitch invasions such as the one seen after Man City’s final-day clash with Aston Villa before something horrific happens
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen was assaulted by a City fan during the wild title celebrations after the final whistle last Sunday (22 May).
City almost immediately issued a statement condemning the incident, and they have since launched their own internal investigation.
Greater Manchester Police announced the following day that they are making enquiries in collaboration with both clubs.
Dinnery assessed the dangers to players if the pitch invasion incidents seen in recent weeks continue.
“It’s a huge problem, and my view is that it might be more of a societal issue,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“It’s certainly not limited to the confines of the stadium. The incident at Nottingham Forest with Billy Sharp, he was fortunate to escape that with a handful of stitches. That could have been far worse.
“These people are pushing the boundaries and are being very hostile. Quite often there is alcohol and other substances involved. If you’re under the influence and psychological barriers are removed, the threat is real.
“It always seemed like we are very reactive to these situations. What are we waiting for? We have identified a problem and we have been lucky that the consequences haven’t been worse yet.
“How it’s addressed is not an easy question to answer. But you cannot have fans running on the pitch in that manner because it will end with a player being seriously injured.“
In other news, pundit suggests Aston Villa could now complete Yves Bissouma signing after confirmed transfer news.