- A 20-year-old man has been arrested and charged for allegedly slapping Jack Grealish after the Manchester derby.
- The incident occurred as Grealish was walking to the tunnel following Sunday’s 0-0 draw.
- The accused, Alfie Holt, will appear in court in July.
- Manchester City player Phil Foden was also subjected to derogatory chants.
- City boss Pep Guardiola condemned the fans’ behavior as a “lack of class.”
Man Arrested and Charged for Allegedly Slapping Jack Grealish After Manchester Derby
A 20-year-old man has been arrested and charged by Greater Manchester Police following an incident after Sunday’s goalless Manchester derby between Manchester United and Manchester City. The man is accused of slapping Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish as the player was making his way towards the tunnel at the end of the match.
According to reports, the incident took place at the bottom of the Stretford End of Old Trafford. While Grealish, 29, is not believed to have sustained any serious injuries from the alleged assault, police launched an investigation into the matter.
On Monday, Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a suspect had been charged. A spokesperson stated, “Alfie Holt, 20, of Haven Drive, Droylsden, has been charged with assault. He will appear at Manchester Magistrates Court.” The court appearance is scheduled for July.
Both Manchester United and Manchester City have declined to issue any official comments regarding the incident. However, sources indicate that Manchester United is cooperating fully with the ongoing police investigation.
In addition to the alleged assault on Grealish, the derby was marred by another unsavoury incident involving Manchester City winger Phil Foden. The England international was reportedly subjected to relentless taunting and derogatory chants from home fans, with some chants referencing his mother.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola voiced his strong disapproval of the fans’ behavior in his post-match press conference. He described the derogatory chants aimed at Foden as showing a “lack of class.” Guardiola elaborated, “Lack of class. But it’s not United, it’s the people, you know? We are so exposed, people who are on the screen in world football – managers, owners, and football players especially.”
The arrest and charges following the alleged assault on Jack Grealish, coupled with the abusive chants directed at Phil Foden, have cast a shadow over the Manchester derby, raising concerns about fan behavior at football matches.