Pundit hits out at Man City after ‘disgraceful’ new controversy
Man City should have prevented their post-match pitch invasion by ensuring a larger police and steward presence was available to protect the players, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Manchester club were “naive” after ignoring “countless warnings” over the past month.
In a statement issued by the club post-match, Man City “sincerely apologised” to Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen – who was assaulted by fans who stormed the pitch to celebrate the 3-2 win over the Midlands club on Sunday (22 May).
The Citizens confirmed they have launched an “immediate investigation” and once identified, the individual responsible will be issued with an “indefinite stadium ban”.
Pep Guardiola’s side lifted the Premier League trophy after Sunday’s (22 May) match.
The ugly scenes come after a spate of recent similar incidents, including a pitch invasion at Everton’s Goodison Park on Thursday (19 May) when the Toffees secured their survival.
Whelan claimed a greater police presence should have been in place to act as a deterrent.
“Here’s my issue,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“We’ve had countless warnings already about this sort of disgraceful behaviour at other games. Where’s the police barrier?
“Did the people in charge really think something like this wouldn’t happen again? It’s just so naïve.
“The safety of the players is paramount and they should be able to feel safe at their place of work.
“They should be able to get out of that situation without idiots hitting them and making them feel vulnerable.
“This could have been prevented with greater police and steward presence.
“That would have been a good deterrent. Man City should have made sure something like that couldn’t happen.”
In other news, medical expert analyses Man City blunder after Kevin De Bruyne confession.