Arsenal Charged By FA Over Pitch Invasion

By Joshua Walters

The Football Association has charged Arsenal for failing to control a pitch invader in their game against Manchester United last week.

The spectator, later identified as Gary Cooper, confronted United defender, Chris Smalling, after invading the pitch, seconds before he was pounced on by the stewards and led off the pitch.

The association did not only charge the London-based club, but also charged the fan with Common Assault and encroaching onto the pitch.

Announcing the charge, a spokesperson for the FA said:

“Arsenal has been charged with breaches of FA Rule E20 (a) and (b).

“It is alleged the club failed to ensure that its spectator(s) conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from encroaching onto the pitch during the Premier League fixture against Manchester United on Sunday, March 10." 

The 2004 Premier League winners have until 22 March to respond to the FA charge.

The 30-year-old spectator from Surrey was bailed to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on 26 March.

Gary Cooper invaded the pitch in the second half at the Emirates in the game that Arsenal won 2-0 with goals from Granit Xhaka, who unleashed a thunderbolt to render David de Gea helpless, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's spot-kick after Alexandre Lacazette was fouled in the box.

The fan could not control his emotions as he ran onto the field to celebrate with the Gunners, who, before then, had lost their last two previous meetings with the Red Devils. 

The incident occurred on the same day that Aston Villa’s captain, Jack Grealish, was also assaulted in the 9th minute by a Birmingham fan called Paul Mitchell in a Championship game.

Mitchell ran onto the field from the Tilton End during the Second City derby at the Saint Andrews Stadium to punch the midfielder from behind.

Mitchell was later jailed for 14 weeks and also fined for a victim surcharge of £150 and £100 compensation to Jack Grealish by the Birmingham Crown Court on Monday.