UK & World News
- 10 December 2012, 11:41
Rio Ferdinand: FA Inquiry As Star Hit By Coin
Manchester City have apologised to Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand after he was hit by a 2p coin thrown from the crowd.
The player was left bleeding after he was struck in the face as he celebrated his side's injury-time winning goal in their 3-2 victory at City's Etihad Stadium.
Former England captain Ferdinand sustained a cut just above the eye in the incident, which is being investigated by police and the Football Association.
The defender was able to complete the game and left the pitch holding his shirt to the wound, accompanied by a team physiotherapist.
A Manchester City spokesperson said: "We apologise to Rio. We condemn the actions of the individual concerned.
"We are reviewing the CCTV with the police and our normal security. We will support the police with any investigation and hopefully identify the person as soon as possible."
Man City trailed 2-0 but fought back to equalise before Robin van Persie's late free-kick secured three points for their rivals.
With blood pouring down Ferdinand's face, there was more controversy when a City supporter ran on to the pitch to confront the player.
The fan slipped and fell as he approached the defender and then England and City goalkeeper Joe Hart stepped in as he restrained the pitch invader who was eventually arrested.
After the game, Ferdinand said on Twitter: "Whoever threw that coin, what a shot! Can't believe it was a copper 2p ... could have at least been a £1 coin!"
He then wrote: "Respect to Joe Hart for protecting that idiot who ran on!! Love the banter between fans but there is a point when it goes too far ... calm it!"
what do you think?
lydia beaumont
Poor rio i hope they get who done it no need 4 it apparently rooney was hit a couple of times
happymike CHESTER
10 Points off for Manchester city the only way to stop idiots in the crowd.
angie_sorensen
Man utd fan by any chance?
happymike CHESTER
No Everton and I support football
davenlesley
Ten point deduction eh? Any chance we could have some of them at Sunderland please. Wealth redistribution and all that.
robali
He was hit by the coin when United scored the winner. So presumably he was celebrating in front of the United fans and it was one of them who threw it? Course not, was he goading the City fans? Doesn't make it right but what an idiot.
Lorgar Aurelian
He went to the corner flag in front of the City fans beating his chest and screaming while his teammates did the sensible thing and stayed in front of their own fans.
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Matt Hill
Whereas you Lorgar commited the most foul of crimes... That of heresy... Oh wait this isn't 40k, this is reality... Your justification of idiotic violence is pretty lame.
robali
LA. That was exactly my point.
Lorgar Aurelian
Ahhh Matt, Chaos Undivided is the future! And if you bothered to read my other comments, you would see that i said i despair of these idiots yes? Heed the Word in future...
shaun spencer
Idiots.they will blind someone one day with this coin throwing.i agree with happymike deduct points from the team.
Lorgar Aurelian
As a City fan i despair of the actions of a minority (one) of my fellow fans. However, if you intentionally incite the home support then this is always going to happen. Why did he not celebrate with his team, why did he choose to wind up the fans? On a football note - 6 points ahead. Surely a team can't throw away a 6 point lead? Erm.....
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Lorgar Aurelian
What a sad and typical red you are. It couldn't have happened to a nicer bloke... apart from Shrek. Enjoy it while it lasts, believe you're getting snow in Sussex tonight?
Diane Rogers
Well said Lorgar.i'm a Liverpool fan I remember Gary Neville running the whole length of the pitch to celebrate in front of our fans But don't forget they are a law unto themselves
Matt Varnam
Lorgar, you normally post sensible, constructive comments, can't believe your saying it should've happened to Rooney it shouldn't have happened at all'!!!
Lorgar Aurelian
Apologies Matt, heat of the moment! I have said he will banned and good riddance. I shall return to my senses now!
lydia beaumont
Sore loser - sorry 2 hear bout ur loss but it's ppl like u that football a bad name!
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lydia beaumont
10 point reduction n a massive fine some1 is gonna b blinded 1 day i hope police find who done it
Lorgar Aurelian
That would make for an interesting Premier League then wouldn't it? The supporter will be ID'd and banned, rightfully so. Possibly criminal charges. Rio will go back to his incitement. And everything goes back to normal.
lydia beaumont
Good the supporter should b banned throwin coins is unacceptable especially 4 younger generations there should b no violence at footy matches they should b somethin u enjoy
Adj Jackson
They have fantastic quality cctv nowadays oh ermm unless they want us to Identify someone one the news then its all blurred and cloudy?? They'll find him
simon calvert
There's always someone trying to put there tuppence worth in...
Kimberley Lamb
Disgusting but he has gone to watch x factor live final tonight . Just seem him in audience . Football is not a game anymore !!!!! Very sad !!!
steven
Why do people get so emotional about a game ?
Matt Varnam
Emotional fine, violent not!!!!
Diane Rogers
I take it you don't like football do you not remember Bill Shankly's words
Lorgar Aurelian
I wish i didn't...
notsure11
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Lee Scott
Maybe the City fan was offering him a pay rise. We all know they're not paid enough of course..... In all serious though this behavior is disgusting and ruins the sport but unfortunately there's no way of preventing it. Idiots do idiotic things in the heat of the moment. They always have and always will.
angie_sorensen
Man utd fans wanting city docked points haha,just in case they catch Ye aye
BOB macdonald
Watch it in slow mo... The numpty hit himself in the eye when he was pulling his shirt over his face.. would look stupid if he admitted that wouldn't he.. So let's fire up the officials and cause some aggro.... mmmmmm he's done that before..
Edgar Beckett
Interesting, now try to determine how hard you need to throw a 2p coin to cut anyone from that distance.
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BOB macdonald
Yes Edgar... Interesting... Looking at the freeze frame there are coins all over.. How did he know it was a 2p.. Maybe he saw it coming..
Brian mckeown
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movvi
It's all a bit out of control, really, isn't it? Football matches I have been to have all been fun and brilliant in every way, with not a hint of trouble (apart from police horses fouling the pavements, but that's allowed!). That is, apart from one horrendous derby game - I won't go to another of those. Coin throwing is a menace - during this game they were showering down - it was ridiculous. I can't see how fining a club will help - or deducting points. It'll be no incentive to a thug who is really no fan at all and who seems to be there only to cause trouble like a petulant idiot. No club actually wants his ilk in their support, surely.
IAN H
4:02pm on 9/12/2012
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