A man has been arrested and charged after Jack Grealish was alleged to have been slapped in the face by a fan at the Manchester derby.
Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation after the Manchester City midfielder appeared to be assaulted near the Old Trafford tunnel during Sunday’s 0-0 draw.
Grealish, 29, was leaving the field when he was said to have been encouraged over by a member of the crowd next to the tunnel near the Stretford End.
The England international – a 74th-minute substitute for Ilkay Gundogan in the game – is then alleged to have been struck by a supporter. He is not believed to have been seriously injured in the attack.
A 20-year-old man was later charged with assault and is due to appear before Manchester magistrates in July. Manchester United and City declined to comment given an investigation is ongoing. United are understood to be working closely with the police.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Alfie Holt, 20, of Haven Drive, Droylsden, has been charged with assault. He will appear at Manchester Magistrates Court.”
The scene was not the only ugly incident during the game. Phil Foden was targeted by United fans, some of whom aimed derogatory chants at the City and England midfielder’s mother when he was substituted in the second half. Those chants drew condemnation from City manager Pep Guardiola. United sources said they condemn abusive chants against all players.
“The chants, to him? Lack of class. But it’s not United [the club], it’s the people,” Guardiola said.
“The people is… we are so exposed. The people who are now on the screen, in the world of football, managers, owners and football players, especially.
“Honestly, I don’t understand the minds of the people being involved [chanting about] the mum of Phil, being involved in that. It’s a lack of integrity, class and they should be ashamed. But it is what it is. It happens everywhere, I would say, not just in the UK. It is what it is.”
