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Rob DawsonMatch
Manchester City have apologized to Robin Olsen after Steven Gerrard claimed the Aston Villa goalkeeper was « attacked » during a pitch invasion at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Olsen appeared to be holding his head as he emerged from the crowd after City supporters entered the pitch following their 3-2 win over Villa to clinch the Premier League title.
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Gerrard said in his news conference after the final whistle that the 32-year-old had been « attacked » although sources have told ESPN that Villa will not take the matter further.
« My goalkeeper was attacked. So I think those questions should go to Pep [Guardiola] and Manchester City… We’re going to check on him, » he said.
Olsen was assessed in the dressing room by medical staff but did not suffer significant injuries.
A statement issued by City on Sunday said: « 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.
« The club has launched an immediate investigation and once identified, the individual responsible will be issued with an indefinite stadium ban. »
Guardiola, who had warned fans to behave themselves during the week, apologized to Olsen and said he hoped the person would be punished.
« I’m so sorry. I said on Friday, the games involving Nottingham Forest, Port Vale, Everton; I’m so sorry on behalf of the club, » Guardiola added.
« The emotions, it’s difficult to understand why the people respond in this way. Hopefully we can discover who it was and he’ll be punished. I don’t know how to stop it, you cannot put [on] 1,000 guards. »
Olsen was a surprise selection against City after usual first-choice Emi Martinez missed out through injury.
The Sweden international, signed on loan in January, had not played a club game since appearing for Sheffield United against Blackburn in the Championship in November.
