Leicester ban pitch invasion fan

Leicester City today issued a life ban to the fan who encroached on the pitch during Saturday’s Barclaycard Premiership fixture with Aston Villa.

The lifetime suspension against Andrew Price of Market Harborough will start with immediate effect and covers all footballing and non-footballing events at the Walkers Stadium.

Price is also the subject of separate police investigations.

The club issued a statement which read: “The club notes the full apology made by Mr Price for his actions but given the seriousness of the incident had no option but to apply a life ban.

“The club has also completed a review of its matchday security procedures and steps have been taken to ensure that player safety will not be further compromised.

“In the 18 months since the club has moved into the Walkers Stadium, the club has enjoyed an extremely enviable safety record.

“The club is determined that one regrettable isolated incident does not detract from the club’s continued desire to establish itself as one of the most family-orientated and community friendly clubs in the country.

“Of paramount importance now is that everyone connected with the club remains totally united in our aim to maintain Premier status.”

Father-of-three Price, who ran onto the pitch towards Walker after City had conceded the third goal in their crushing 5-0 home reversal, has made an apology to the club.

Price was pushed to the ground by Walker before being taken away by stewards and then being released on police bail on Saturday evening.

Price, 38, told the Leicester Mercury: “It was a stupid thing to do. I don’t know why I did it. I want to apologise to the club, to Micky Adams, Ian Walker and all the players.

“I am so sorry. I’m gutted about it. It was a stupid thing to do and I regret it.”

Season ticket holder Price said: “When I saw what had happened in the papers and on television, I realised how stupid I had been.

“I’ve never done anything like that before. I wasn’t angry and there was no plan. It was just a spur of the moment thing.

“I was surprised I got that far and found myself standing in front of Ian Walker in the penalty box.

“When I got to him I said I didn’t think he was fit to be a Premiership player. He told me to get lost basically.

“There was definitely no intention on my part to harm him. I’ve been a City fan all my life and would never harm one of the players.

“He started shoving me but I should not have been there. It’s understandable. He did not harm me.

“I would have thought it will mean a life ban and it’s just not worth it. It will be a large chunk of my life gone. I wish it had never happened.”