An Arsenal fan who ran on the pitch and shoved Manchester United defender Chris Smalling at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday has been named as Gary Cooper, and is set to be given a lifetime ban from all future matches.
The incident occurred during the celebrations for Arsenal’s second goal, which was scored by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 69th minute.
Cooper, 30, from Chertsey, Surrey, was charged with common assault and released on bail. He will appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 26 March.
Cooper, wearing a black hooded Stone Island jacket, allegedly ran towards the Arsenal players who were celebrating the goal before being dragged away by stewards and subsequently arrested as the players looked on.
? “You absolute numpty”
The last thing we wanted to see today, another pitch invader, this time at the Emirates ? pic.twitter.com/M5AZ6WO9T4
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) March 10, 2019
The English centre-back was unhurt in the incident, which cast a shadow over the Gunners excellent 2-0 victory over an in form Manchester United side.
Arsenal apologised to Smalling and Manchester United for the incident
An Arsenal spokesperson said: “We utterly condemn the behaviour of the individual who ran on to the pitch and approached Chris Smalling during today’s match.
“We would like to apologise to Chris and Manchester United, and are pleased that the individual was apprehended and arrested. We will be working closely with the Metropolitan Police in their investigation.
Fans were encouraged to show “respect” to players from both sides
“The individual will also be banned from Arsenal matches home and away. Our matchday staff receive ongoing training on managing incidents such as this.”
Arsenal manager Unai Emery said the incident was something he “did not want” to see and called on all fans to show “respect”.
Shortly after the match, the Metropolitan Police released a statement that said: “A man has been arrested on suspicion of common assault and pitch invasion following an incident during the Arsenal v Man Utd game at the Emirates Stadium today. He is currently in custody at a north London police station.”
The incident came only hours after Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish was punched in the back of the head by a spectator in a shocking incident during the Second City derby between Villa and Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.
VIDEO: JACK GREALISH JUST GOT PUNCHED IN THE FACE BY A BIRMINGHAM ‘FAN’ pic.twitter.com/zp4C84J56G
— Sam (@FiremanFella) March 10, 2019
A man was also arrested on Friday after Rangers’ James Tavernier was confronted by a spectator during Scottish Premiership draw with Hibs.
