Welsh striker will not be punished for derby actions

Manchester City yesterday confirmed that the club will take no action against striker Craig Bellamy, who struck a supporter who ran onto the pitch after Michael Owen’s dramatic late winner in the Manchester derby on Sunday.

21 year-old Jake Joseph Clarke has been charged by Greater Manchester Police with “going on to a playing area without lawful authority or excuse”, and it appeared that, as he was being restrained by several officers, City striker Bellamy punched, or at least slapped the fan.

When asked about the incident, Manchester City assistant manager, Mark Bowen, claimed “My take is that he thought the fella might spit in his face of something” and that “Craig with an open hand just pushed the fella away”.

When asked whether the club will take any action against Bellamy, Bowen told reporters “No, I don’t think there is any need to.”