A Manchester United supporter has been slapped with a three-year football ban after admitting to assaulting Jack Grealish during the fiery Manchester derby in April, following an insult from the Man City ace. Alfie Holt, 20, was handed down the ban at Manchester Magistrates Court today (July 14) after he pleaded guilty to assault by beating.
The court heard from prosecutor Shazia Aslam that the incident occurred on April 6, during the high-stakes match at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Manchester City. Describing the derby as a 'contentious affair', Ms Aslam highlighted the heightened risk to public safety, noting that "Such matches are categorised as high risk to public safety. Emotions are high amongst supporters and disorderly behaviour is commonplace."
She detailed the hostile environment, saying, "Throughout the match, both sets of fans were very vocal, shouting abusive comments and creating a tense atmosphere.", reports the Manchester Evening News. Holt, a long-standing season ticket holder for 12 years in the Stretford End, had been 'drinking in town' before the game which he attended with his father.
Ms Aslam recounted the moments after the match, stating, "At the end of the match, players were leaving the pitch," and "The defendant was in the stand very close to the tunnel." She described how Holt leaned towards the tunnel, hurling abuse at Manchester City players, including Phil Foden who ignored him. However, when Jack Grealish approached the tunnel, he reacted to Holt's shout, which included the words '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." 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." In defence of a fan who assaulted a player at a football match, Melanie Winstanley highlighted the minor nature of the incident: "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."
She described the attack as "a low category offence", adding, "You can see from the CCTV that this was a minor and momentary assault." The solicitor painted her client in a positive light: "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."
She explained, "He was interviewed without representation and made full admission and accepted that he had done wrong." On his remorse she stated, "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."
Winstanley addressed the circumstances leading to the assault: "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." She minimised the impact of the incident, saying, "I am not trying to excuse this behaviour but it was a very minor assault." She also referred to her client's personal situation: "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."
Discussing the repercussions faced by her client, she mentioned, "I do not oppose a football banning order but it will be further punishment to Mr Holt following the revoking of his season ticket." She concluded with the implications of the situation on her client's passion: "There is no guarantee that he will ever get that back - a further blow to him."
Magistrate Jill Hodges handed down a stern rebuke to Mr Holt, stating: "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." She then granted Paul Holt the opportunity to speak, to which he responded: "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."
Continuing his statement, Holt expressed remorse: "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." Acknowledging the influence of alcohol on his actions, Ms Hodges remarked: "You had been drinking before the match and that impacts your behaviour," further suggesting that Holt should consider this in future deliberations.
In efforts to curb disorder at football games, Ms Hodges imposed a three-year football banning order on Holt, barring him from any venue showing regulated football matches. Furthermore, Holt is required to report to his local police station and give up his passport when certain matches take place abroad. Alongside the banning order, Holt, hailing from Haven Drive in Droylsden, faced financial penalties with a £120 fine and additional costs of £133, eliciting a total of £253 due to be paid by his parents, as revealed in court.
Wrapping up, Ms Hodges addressed Holt firmly: "These measures are to help prevent violence and disorder at matches," acknowledging his expressed contrition but underscoring the gravity of assault. "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."