A Real Madrid fan who tried to run onto the Etihad pitch after Manchester City's win over them in the Champions League semi-final has been banned from all grounds for three years. Nathaniel Morgan was given the Football Banning Order (FBO) at Manchester Magistrates Court this morning (July 28).
The 30-year-old, from Wiltshire, entered a restricted area next to the pitch after the final whistle following the first-leg tie in April, which City won 4-3. Morgan climbed over a low-level barrier between the seats and the pitch and ran towards the Real Madrid players who were conducting post-match interviews.
He only got five metres into the restricted area next to the pitch before he was tackled, restrained and escorted away. Morgan pleaded guilty to going onto an area adjacent to the pitch, an offence under the Football (Offences) Act 1991, at an earlier hearing.
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Following his conviction, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Professional Football Association (PFA) have said they are determined to punish those who try and run onto the pitch and cause 'disorder'. Adrian Hollamby, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: "The CPS are committed to taking a robust stance in prosecuting those who partake in football related disorder. We are working with the police and football organisations to build the strongest possible case, and to apply for Football Banning Orders where appropriate, to make football safe to play and watch."
John Mousinho, chair of the PFA, said: "As a game and society, we need to concentrate on deterrents and reinforce the fundamental fact that entering a football pitch is a criminal offence, and one that will be punished consistently regardless of circumstances."
During the heated semi-final clash there were a number of instances of people running onto the pitch. This included a young child who ran to star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, which halted the game in its final moments.
Douglas Mackay of the CPS added: "Over recent years and months, hate crimes relating to sporting events have been on the rise. A recent UK Football Policing Unit mid-season report has shown a significant rise in football-related criminality compared to pre-pandemic levels. At the CPS, we play a crucial role in tackling these crimes and making our national sport inclusive and safe to watch. There is no place for hate in football, and hate crimes such as this has significant impact on victims."
Real Madrid eventually ran out victors in the tie following a 3-1 win in the return leg.
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