Robin Olsen assault: What Pep Guardiola, Steven Gerrard and Man City said on incident

The Aston Villa goalkeeper was struck by a Manchester City fan following their title-winning victory on Sunday.
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Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have apologised to Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen after he was assaulted by a fan following Sunday’s game at the Etihad stadium.

City came from two goals down to win the match 3-2 and pip Liverpool to top spot in the Premier League.

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Emotions were obviously running high after the game, and fans invaded the pitch immediately after the full-time whistle was blown.

Regrettably, one of those struck Olsen as he made his way off the playing surface, something which was among the biggest talking points in the post-match press conferences.

Olsen was struck as he made his way off the pitch. Credit: Getty.Olsen was struck as he made his way off the pitch. Credit: Getty.
Olsen was struck as he made his way off the pitch. Credit: Getty.

What Steven Gerrard had to say

It was the Villa boss who first briefed the media after the game and was asked if all his players made it off the pitch unharmed.

“The answer is no,” he responded. “My goalkeeper was attacked. I think those questions should go to Pep and Manchester City.”

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Greater Manchester police issued a statement on Monday morning which said inquiries are ongoing into the incident, with officers ‘working in partnership with both football clubs.’

Steven Gerrard first brought the incident to the attention of the media. Credit: Getty.Steven Gerrard first brought the incident to the attention of the media. Credit: Getty.
Steven Gerrard first brought the incident to the attention of the media. Credit: Getty.

What Manchester City had to say

The club released a statement shortly after Gerrard comments and said they will launch an investigation into the incident.

"Manchester City would like to sincerely apologise to Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen, who was assaulted after the final whistle at today’s match when fans entered the pitch," said the statement.

"The club has launched an immediate investigation and once identified, the individual responsible will be issued with an indefinite stadium ban."

What Pep Guardiola had to say

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The City boss addressed the media soon after and said he hopes the culprit is caught.

“I’m so sorry on behalf of the club, to Olsen and Aston Villa,” Guardiola told reporters. “The emotions, it’s difficult to understand why the people react in this way.

“Hopefully we can discover, as a club, the person and he’ll be punished. I don’t know how to stop it, you cannot put 1,000 guards or police there [around the pitch].”