“He was leaning around almost into the tunnel, shouting abuse at Manchester City players including Phil Foden"
Alfie Holt, 20, pleaded guilty to assault(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
A Manchester United fan has been given a three-year football ban for slapping Jack Grealish at the Manchester derby in April - after the Man City star called him a 'little ugly w*****r'.
Alfie Holt, 20, received the ban at Manchester Magistrates Court today (July 14) after pleading guilty to the charge of assault by beating.
Prosecuting, Shazia Aslam told the court that the incident had taken place on April 6 of this year, at the match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Ms Aslam called the derby match a ‘contentious affair’, telling the court: “Such matches are categorised as high risk to public safety. Emotions are high amongst supporters and disorderly behaviour is commonplace.
“Throughout the match, both sets of fans were very vocal, shouting abusive comments and creating a tense atmosphere.
Mr Holt, who was heard to have held a season ticket in the Stretford End for 12 years, had been 'drinking in town’ before attending the match with his father.
Jack Grealish needs to leave Manchester City to play regularly and star at the World Cup.
City winger Jack Grealish(Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
“At the end of the match, players were leaving the pitch,” Ms Aslam continued. “The defendant was in the stand very close to the tunnel.
“He was leaning around almost into the tunnel, shouting abuse at Manchester City players including Phil Foden, who ignored him and continued down the tunnel.
“As Jack Grealish entered the tunnel he heard [Holt] shouting a comment. There were words of ‘k***bhead’.
“He turned and walked over. The defendant says Grealish reacted to his comment and a short verbal altercation took place.
“He cannot recall what Grealish said - something like 'little ugly w*****r' - but he flipped at this and slapped him, making contact with his chin and cheek.”
In a statement to police Grealish confirmed the incident. “He described the defendant as shouting towards him,” said Ms Aslam.
“He could not hear what he was saying and walked over, trying to engage him in conversation, leaning in towards him.
“He could not hear him so moved away and the defendant slapped him across his right cheek, taking him by surprise. There was no injury sustained.”
"Throughout the match, both sets of fans were very vocal"
(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
A CCTV clip of the incident was then played to the court.
The court heard that stewards then attempted to detain Holt, but were unsuccessful. He was later arrested outside the ground.
In his police interview, Holt admitted slapping the player, saying that the incident had been the result of ‘a mixture of the alcohol consumed and the comment he had made’.
The prosecution argued Mr Holt should be given a football banning order. Ms Aslam said: “Holt used force against a player and could have caused further disorder.
“Players are extremely vulnerable and need to be protected. These banning orders have a deterrent effect to anyone else considering such an action.
“There were no injuries - it was minor physical harm - but it was a serious offence against a player, aggravated further as it took place in a stadium, with vulnerable people such as children present.”
Defending, Melanie Winstanley called the incident ‘a low category offence’. “You can see from the CCTV that this was a minor and momentary assault,” she told the court.
“Mr Holt has no previous convictions and is of previous good character. He is a young man that does not trouble the courts. He accepted that he slapped Grealish and fully cooperated with police.
“He was interviewed without representation and made full admission and accepted that he had done wrong.
“He has admitted and owned what he has done and he has remorse. It is completely out of character and he now has a serious conviction against him.
“The complainant in this case had walked through the tunnel then doubled back - he did not have to do that. It is not unusual for players and fans to engage in banter.
“I am not trying to excuse this behaviour but it was a very minor assault.
“Mr Holt lives with his parents and has serious health concerns. Because of his condition he is not in a position to work and is in receipt of PIP so is of a limited income.
“I do not oppose a football banning order but it will be further punishment to Mr Holt following the revoking of his season ticket.
“There is no guarantee that he will ever get that back - a further blow to him.”
Sitting magistrate Jill Hodges acknowledged this, saying to Mr Holt: “The worst is that you have lost your good character, but you are a keen football fan so that is going to have a big impact.”
Asked if he would like to speak, Mr Holt said: “It was out of character, I have never done anything like that before. At every match I go over to the tunnel and talk to the players.
“I did not expect Grealish to come back and speak to me, I heard what he said and I just reacted. I can't take back what I did but I do regret it.”
“You had been drinking before the match and that impacts your behaviour,” the magistrate replied. “I hope you will think about that in future.”
Ms Hodges issued Holt with a football banning order lasting three years, prohibiting him from entering any premises playing regulated football. He will also have to attend his local police station and surrender his passport when certain matches are played outside the UK.
Holt, of Haven Drive, Droylsden, was ordered to pay a fine of £120 and £133 in costs, totalling £253. The court heard that the fine was to be paid by his parents.
“These measures are to help prevent violence and disorder at matches,” Hodges told the defendant. “You seem to be genuinely regretful, but to assault somebody is a very serious matter.
“There has to be a deterrent in these cases. But I am hopeful that this is going to be the last time you come before the court.”