Man City vs Aston Villa: police release new images in Etihad pitch invasion ‘disorder’ probe

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have released numerous images of people they want to speak to about disorder at a Manchester City football match.

The force released CCTV pictures of more than 20 people it wants to speak to about incidents at City’s final game of the Premier League season against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.

Incidents at the final fixture of the campaign in May included criminal damage and the use of pyrotechnics, police said.

There was also a large pitch invasion at full time as City fans celebrated the team winning the Premier League title.

What have police done in relation to the disorder at the Etihad?

GMP have now released four collage images of a total of 23 people they wish to speak to as they investigate the scenes at the fixture between Manchester City and Aston Villa at the Etihad on 22 May.

The force said there was disorder involving fans of both clubs on the day.

There was a large pitch invasion at the final whistle as City supporters poured onto the turf to celebrate their team’s 3-2 victory and the league title.

GMP said at the time it was also investigating an assault on Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

Two men were charged in the immediate aftermath of the chaotic scenes - one with throwing a pyrotechnic and the other with going on to the pitch.

Police said that is not the end of the investigation and it is now releasing the images of more people it wishes to speak to in connection with what happened at the game.

What has Greater Manchester Police said?

Detective Sergeant Nicholas Fernandes, of GMP’s City of Manchester North division, said: “The offences committed by certain individuals during this fixture put spectators’ safety at risk. This will not be tolerated and we are proactively working with Manchester City FC to identify the relevant individuals.

“We have already charged two suspects in connection with this disorder relating to another incident, but our investigation is very much ongoing and, following extensive enquiries, we are now in a position to appeal to the public for help to identify these individuals who we want to speak to.”

Anyone who can help officers identify those in the images or with any other information is asked to submit details to the police by ringing 0161 856 3907.

Alternatively, details can be passed via the LiveChat function on the GMP website here or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 using the term Operation Pendant.