Mark Hughes has lent his backing to Craig Bellamy after the Welsh striker's altercation with a Manchester United supporter during the derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The FA are thought to be considering all options, including a charge of violent conduct, after Bellamy was alleged to have hit the man as he was hauled away by stewards having run on to the pitch to celebrate Michael Owen's winning goal. United will ban the fan for life.
Bellamy is alleged to have told the man to “get off the f***ing pitch”. The supporter reportedly responded by telling Bellamy to “f*** off” which is when the Manchester City forward appeared to strike out. A 21-year-old man, Jake Joseph Clarke, was charged yesterday by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) with “going on to a playing area without lawful authority or excuse” and is due to appear at Trafford Magistrates’ Court a week tomorrow.
"All Craig has done is go over there and tell the guy to get off the pitch," Hughes said. "Craig wasn't privy to how much time was left to enable us to get back into the game.
"The guy made an aggressive move towards him and Craig wanted to get him off the pitch. Craig just put a defensive hand out to push him away."
TV replays show the Welshman advancing towards the melee and that the fan was being held by two stewards when Bellamy struck out. With Emmanuel Adebayor serving a three-match ban for violent conduct, City could do without another of their strikers running the risk of censure, but the club have vowed to defend Bellamy.
"You can never be quite sure what is going to happen in those situations," Hughes added. "We have not been contacted by the FA but if we are, that is what we will say."
City have already confirmed they will not discipline Bellamy. "No. I don't think there is any need to," Mark Bowen, the City assistant manager said. "My take is that he thought the fella might spit in his face or something.
"He came very close and moved towards him. Craig, with an open hand, just pushed the fella away."
Source:The times
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