Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Hughes vows to stand by Bellamy

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Hughes won't punish Bellamy

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is adamant striker Craig Bellamy did not spark a confrontation with a Manchester United supporter during Sunday's derby.

The Football Association have still to decide whether to act after Bellamy appeared to shove a fan in the face after he had strayed onto the pitch.

But Hughes said: "The guy made an aggressive move. Craig just put a defensive hand out to push him away.

"We've not been contacted by the FA but if we are, that is what we will say."

TV replays show Bellamy advancing towards the supporter, who was being held by two stewards, before striking out, but City believe the Welshman will not face any charges.

"My take is that he thought the fella might spit in his face or something," Mark Bowen, City's assistant manager, told BBC Radio 5 live.

"He came very close and moved towards him. Craig, with an open hand, just pushed the fella away."

Hughes added: "All Craig has done is go over there and tell the guy to get off the pitch.

"Craig wasn't privy to how much time was left to enable us to get back into the game."

Both the FA and the police are looking at the incident during Sunday's 4-3 defeat at Old Trafford.

Greater Manchester Police have already charged the supporter for entering the playing area "without lawful authority".

In a hotly-contested derby battle, the Blues came from behind on three occasions, with Bellamy scoring two magnificent goals, including an equaliser to make it 3-3 in the 90th minute.

"Brian Clough clipped someone's ear," added Hughes. "He was lauded a national hero. Maybe it'll be the same with Craig but I doubt it."

Disciplinary officials have already seen TV footage of the incident and the FA is likely to make a decision on whether to charge Bellamy later this week.

Former Manchester United defender David May believes the emotions of the situation had an influence on Bellamy's reaction to the fan.

Craig Bellamy
Bellamy struck two stunning goals for the visitors at Old Trafford

May told Radio 5 live: "It was silly but I suppose to a certain extent it was understandable.

"When anyone comes on to the pitch it's worrying but maybe he shouldn't have slapped the fan, he should have walked away and let the steward get on with it.

"Players have to be professional but I think the whole occasion got to him - he had got City back into it at 3-3 and his emotions were running high.

"But you can't go round slapping fans. It's the wrong thing to do."

City boss Hughes also confirmed substitute Javier Garrido was struck by a coin thrown from the home section of the stadium at half-time.

It is likely that former United hero Carlos Tevez had been the target as he was standing near Garrido when the coin was thrown.

The Argentine, who moved across to Eastlands in the summer, was booed throughout the match by some of the home supporters.

Garrido was not hurt, but the Football Association could be called upon to pass judgement on the two incidents.

"Something came from the crowd but he is OK," Hughes added.

FOOTBALL BLOG
BBC Sport's Phil McNulty

City striker Emmanuel Adebayor is already facing an FA improper conduct charge after running the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of Arsenal supporters after scoring against his former team.

The Manchester United fan who came on to the pitch after Michael Owen's late goal is set to appear in court later this month.

A Greater Manchester Police spokeswoman said: "A man has been charged following an incident at the end of the match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford.

"Jake Joseph Clarke, 21, is charged with going onto a playing area without lawful authority or excuse and will appear before Trafford Magistrates' Court on September 30."

Meanwhile Hughes and assistant boss Bowen admitted some kind of independent time-keeper might solve the problems that erupted during Sunday's derby clash.

"I am not particularly advocating this but maybe if you had a different system where someone else took over the time-keeping, it might help," added Bowen.

ะพ 4:17 AM

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