UK jails pitch invader for goalkeeper attack

Oct 23, 2012 |

IANS

London

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A Leeds United fan has been jailed for 16 weeks after he entered the field of play and attacked Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland during the Yorkshire derby, prosecutors announced.

In Friday's League Championship match at Hillsborough, the hosts broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute via a Jay Bothroyd shot, but Michael Tonge equalised in the second half.

Moments after Tonge's strike, which turned out to be the last goal the game saw, a supporter ran on to the pitch and shoved Kirkland in the face with both hands before retreating into the crowd behind the goal.

The 31-year-old Kirkland, who was capped by England once in 2006, fell to the ground and needed treatment before continuing.

The perpetrator, who was identified as Aaron Cawley, a 21-year-old from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to assault and entering the field of play at Sheffield Magistrates' Court.

He told police he consumed lager, vodka and cider before the game and did not remember what happened during the incident, which was broadcast live on British television.

Along with a jail term, Cawley has been given a five-year football banning order.

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