Jack Grealish punched, Chris Smalling shoved: PFA calls for full inquiry after ugly day for English football

Jack Grealish punched, Chris Smalling shoved: PFA calls for full inquiry after ugly day for English football
The PFA has expressed its concern and called for a full inquiry after Jack Grealish and Chris Smalling were confronted by pitch invaders on Sunday.Grealish, the Aston Villa captain, was punched from behind at St Andrew’s just hours before an Arsenal fan appeared to shove Manchester United defender Smalling at the Emirates.Both fans were arrested but concerns have been raised as to how easily they were able to access the players.4

A fan punched Grealish from behind

4

A supporter appeared to shove Smalling

Grealish went on to hail it the ‘best day of his life’, as he recovered from the incident to score the winner.The fan, named by West Midlands Police as 27-year-old Paul Mitchell, was later charged with invading the pitch and assault.Birmingham confirmed Mitchell would be banned for life from St Andrew’s.Arsenal later pledged the same punishment would be imposed on pitch invader who marred their 2-0 victory over United. Sunday’s incidents came after Rangers captain James Tavernier found himself face to face with a fan on Friday night who had jumped out of the Hibernian support before being led away. In a statement released before the Smalling incident the PFA said: “The PFA condemns in the strongest possible terms the actions of the individual who has encroached on the field of play and attacked Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish.“There needs to be a full inquiry into the incident to ascertain why in a fixture with such a charged history, a fan was able to run onto the pitch virtually unchallenged and assault a player.“The PFA is concerned that we’ve seen elements of this type of behaviour coming back into the game, with several high-profile crowd related issues this season.4

Grealish ended up scoring the winning goal

“Over the last few decades there has been a great improvement in matchday security, however incidents like this demonstrate certain problems have not been eradicated and that players can be particularly vulnerable.“We must address issues of violence and player safety – this should include continued efforts with regards to education but be underpinned by strong punishments and sanctions.”Grealish scored a 67th-minute winner and later told Sky Sports Football: “(This is the) best day of my life. To come here, captain Aston Villa and score the winner is what dreams are made of, especially for me as a Villa fan.”Sky Sports4

Arsenal apologised for the incident

Birmingham issued a statement apologising to Grealish while Villa also released their own statement saying: “A red line has been crossed by this cowardly on-field assault on a player, which is unprecedented in English football.”West Midlands Police also confirmed a steward was “spoken to” in the aftermath of the Villa goal after television footage appeared to show him pushing Grealish as the player celebrated but no offence had been reported.

LIVE on talkSPORT

There are 11 live commentaries remaining across the talkSPORT network this week. Find out what they are and when you can hear them, below...

• Reading vs Leeds (Tuesday) –talkSPORT 2
• Bayern Munich vs Liverpool (Wednesday) –talkSPORT
• Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa (Wednesday) –talkSPORT 2
• Dynamo Kyiv vs Chelsea (Thursday) –talkSPORT 2
• Watford vs Crystal Palace (Saturday) –talkSPORT
• Leeds vs Sheffield United (Saturday) –talkSPORT 2
• West Ham vs Huddersfield (Saturday) –talkSPORT 2
• Swansea vs Manchester City (Saturday) –talkSPORT
• Wolves vs Manchester United (Saturday) –talkSPORT
• Millwall vs Brighton (Sunday) –talkSPORT 2
• Fulham vs Liverpool (Sunday) –talkSPORT

After Smalling was confronted at the Emirates, Arsenal released a statement saying: “We utterly condemn the behaviour of the individual who ran onto 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.”The EFL and Football Association condemned the incidents, while the Premier League was contacted for comment.

---

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has spoken of the time when he was racially abused whilst playing for Arsenal at youth level.. The England U21 international was discussing the alleged racist abuse that
Arsenal's Maitland-Niles makes racism claim

---

Manchester United transfer news: Benfica goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos lined up as possible David De Gea replacement De Gea has one season left on his Old Trafford contract and the Red Devils
Benfica goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos lined up as possible

---

Manchester City v Tottenham: 'It's meant to be' for Spurs to

---

His name is Joao Felix, and as soon as he touches the ball, you realise why he's already being courted by several of Europe's top clubs. That particular match was also watched by Cristiano Ronaldo and He definitely would have been impressed with what he saw as Joao Felix was involved in 3 goals as Benfica won 5-1 and was named Man of the Match.
Fans thrilled by West Ham star's transfer update amid
gongsports.co.uk/football/fans-thrilled-by-west-ham-stars-transfer-update-amid-manchester-united-transfer-links/
Club inform Manchester United target he's clear to leave for £85million transfer fee; Europe should shudder: Why post-match Liverpool proved they're not going away; Inter Moving Closer to Big-Money Romelu Lukaku Signing But FFP Could Derail Move; New club join running for transfer of £80m Manchester United star after major development
Ross Barkley PUNCHED to the ground in Liverpool bar | Daily

---

Paul Scholes has been charged with misconduct by the English Football Association for allegedly breaking its rules on betting.. The former Manchester United midfielder is alleged to have placed
Scholes charged by the FA over alleged betting breach

---

Watford captain Troy Deeney is preparing to 'smash' former team-mate Richarlison when they face Everton on Monday night. The two played together last season, but the Brazilian swapped Vicarage
Everton vs Watford: Troy Deeney vows to 'smash - goal.com

---

The 2018/19 season is approaching the halfway stage and we now have a clear idea about the best performing forwards. FOX Sports Asia looks at the 10 players from Europe's top five leagues with the most combined goals and assists this season.
Europe's 10 most valuable players this season - including

---

From the Tranmere Rovers Supporters Trust Website: For the few who may not have heard of them, Birkenhead band Half Man Half Biscuit came to prominence in 1985 with the issue of their first album, Back In The D.H.S.S.
Cries from Liverpool after they were robbed one goal against

---

Spokeo is focused on helping people research and reconnect with others. From reuniting families, to providing our users with peace of mind, or even getting involved in the community, take a look at some of the ways Spokeo is helping make a difference.
THE MANCHESTER AND GLASGOW ROAD - gutenberg.org

---

Chelsea transfer news: Alvaro Morata reportedly 'completes

---

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer salary at Manchester United will earn him more than Jurgen Klopp and Maurizio Sarri The Norwegian will bag an annual salary of £7.5million on his three-year deal By Jake Bacon
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer salary at Manchester United will earn

---

Michael Oliver has been announced as the referee as Manchester United take on Liverpool in one of the biggest games of the Premier League season on Sunday.. Ashington-born Oliver will be tasked with keeping things under control in what is always a fiery encounter at Old Trafford.
สถิติน่าคิด!ลีกผู้ดีเลือก"โอลิเวอร์"เป่าศึกแดงเดือด - Rakball

---