Soccer: City pledge crackdown after pitch invasion

Manchester City have vowed to crack down on those fans who stepped out of line during their chaotic farewell to the Premiership.

Six people were arrested following a number of minor incidents during the game and a pitch invasion by 2,000 fans in stoppage time.

However it is expected that City will not be punished by the Football Association for the unruly scenes. Referee Mike Riley still had one minute of added time to play, but when he saw the onrushing hordes he quickly blew for full-time and dashed for the tunnel.

Mounted police took 15 minutes to clear the Maine Road pitch, which was dug up in a couple of places, and restore order. City’s chief operating officer Chris Bird stressed that only a tiny number of fans had caused trouble, but promised the club would take a tough line with the miscreants.

‘‘The police have told me there were six arrests,’’ he said. ‘‘But there were 2,000 fans who encroached on to the pitch so it was only a small minority who acted in a disorderly manner.

‘‘We as a club do not condone what happened and we will come down hard on anyone who is seen to have acted in a disorderly way when it is brought to our attention.’’

The FA will consider the various reports from Riley, the police and City before deciding what action to take. Head of communications Paul Newman said: ‘‘We will be waiting to see what is included in the referee’s report.

‘‘We will also, no doubt, be waiting to hear from the club and the police before deciding what is the appropriate action.’’

There had been flashpoints during the game on and off the pitch and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was fortunate to escape with just a booking for an ugly challenge on Jeff Whitley, which resulted in the City midfielder being stretchered off with a gashed leg.

A couple of missiles were also thrown at Chelsea skipper Dennis Wise, while one upset City fan was apprehended by stewards as he ran on to the pitch to remonstrate with Riley.

City manager Joe Royle could understand the supporter’s frustrations. He felt Riley could have taken a tougher line over Hasselbaink and should have awarded his side two penalties.

Royle was left bemused when Riley ignored a handball by Celestine Babayaro and a tug by John Terry on Shaun Goater. He has moaned about officials all season and said sarcastically: ‘‘It’ll be nice to see Nationwide League referees again - one of the few benefits.’’

Chelsea won with goals in either half from Wise and Hasselbaink, which sandwiched a Steve Howey header, and victory confirmed their place in the UEFA Cup next season.

This, though, is very much a consolation prize at the end of a season that had promised so much back in August.

Hasselbaink, who won the golden boot as the Premiership’s top scorer with 23 goals, admitted as much when he said: ‘‘We are delighted to get into Europe and I think that’s the most important thing for this club.

‘‘I would be lying if I didn’t say that it has been quite a hard season for us and it has not been the best for Chelsea football club.’’