Man United fan admits ‘slap’ assault on Man City’s Jack Grealish

A football fan admitted assaulting Man City and England star Jack Grealish by slapping his face after the footballer insulted him, he claimed.

Alfie Holt (20) pleaded guilty to a single count of assault on Grealish, who he said had called him a “little ugly wanker”, after the Manchester Derby in April, Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard.

Holt, a Manchester United season ticket holder in the Stretford End, was also given a three-year Football Banning Order and was fined £120 (€138), with £85 costs and a surcharge of £48.

The defendant told the court: “I did not expect him to say what he said to me and I have reacted. I regret it. That’s it.”

Shazia Aslam, prosecuting, told the court Grealish was leaving the field after the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford, which was broadcast on Sky TV with a sell-out crowd and was always a “contentious affair.”

“Both sets of fans were very vocal, shouting abusive comments to rival players,” Ms Aslam said.

The court heard that as players left the field, heading for the tunnel, Holt stood very close by, shouting abuse at Man City players.

“As the complainant, Jack Grealish, a Man City player, enters the tunnel area, he hears the defendant shouting comments towards him. He turns and walks towards him. Both have an exchange of words.

“As the complainant walks away, the defendant slaps the complainant across the face. There was no injury. He was arrested outside the stadium.”

In a witness statement, Grealish told police he could not hear what the defendant was shouting due to the crowd noise, so he walked towards him and tried to engage in conversation and leaned in to speak to the defendant.

He was still unable to hear, so he moved to walk away when he was slapped.

After his arrest, Holt