Roy Keane has called the football fans who attacked players and managers in the past week 'idiots' and 'scumbags'.
Supporters piled onto the pitch at the Etihad on Sunday as Manchester City were crowned Premier League champions for the fourth time in five years after a dramatic comeback.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen was attacked by a City fan, with Steven Gerrard expressing his fury over the incident after the match.
Patrick Vieira was also attacked by a fan during the week at Goodison Park after his Crystal Palace side were beaten by Everton. Players were also targeted during play-off games at Nottingham Forest and Port Vale.
Speaking on Sky Sports after Sunday's game, Keane said: "Disgraceful, it really is. I tell you, a player or a manager is going to be seriously injured. If you're mad enough to come on and punch a player then you're silly enough to stab them or something. Something crazy will happen. I think people have come back from Covid and forgotten how to behave themselves.
"Idiots. Scumbags. Disgrace. A player walking off the pitch and getting attacked, we've seen it during the week, Patrick Vieira. Absolutely disgraceful."
Gary Neville added: "These last 20, 30 years we've brought the fences down in English football and supporters respect 99 per cent of the time that you don't go on the pitch. They enjoy the family environment. All of a sudden these last few months we've got idiots running on the pitch, but if you're attacking players and managers - what are you doing?"
Steven Gerrard faced questions after his player was attacked, but suggested City come up with the answers. He said: "Our goalkeeper was attacked. We're going to see how he is now, but I think you should ask Pep [Guardiola] and Manchester City those questions."
A statement from City last night read: “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.”
Vieira claimed after his altercation this week that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. He said: "I think the Everton incident is bigger than just that incident. When you look at it in the Premier League, there were a lot of field invasions that can cause trouble.
"There are real issues here to reflect on and try to see what is the best way to manage it and to deal with it. You don't know what can happen. When you don't know what can happen of course you fear for anything, for the players."
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