A Manchester United supporter has been handed a three-year stadium ban after assaulting Jack Grealish, a midfielder for Manchester City, in a shocking post-match incident following the Manchester derby in April.
The 20-year-old fan, Alfie Holt, admitted in Manchester court to slapping Grealish as the England international entered the players’ tunnel at Old Trafford. According to Holt’s testimony, he acted in retaliation after Grealish allegedly insulted him, calling him a “short ugly guy.”
Holt received a t£120 fine, plus £33 in costs and surcharge, totalling to £153 (approximately 205 USD), an amount his parents will reportedly cover. In addition to the stadium ban, his 12-year-old Manchester United membership and season ticket have been revoked.
The assault occurred after a heated derby ended in a 0-0 draw. Prosecutors explained that Holt had been taunting City players throughout the match. Grealish approached the stands to hear what was being shouted when Holt unexpectedly slapped him. Fortunately, Grealish was not injured. The incident was caught on video and shown during the hearing.
During police questioning, Holt admitted to drinking before the match and verbally abusing several City players, including Phil Foden. He claimed only Grealish responded, which escalated the confrontation. Meanwhile, Holt’s lawyer emphasized his lack of prior offenses and described the incident as a moment of poor judgment. They argued that Grealish could have walked away instead of engaging with the fan. Nonetheless, Holt fully accepted responsibility for his actions.
This wasn’t the only controversy during the April derby. Manchester United fans were also criticized for chanting obscenities about Phil Foden’s mother. Pep Guardiola, City’s manager, strongly condemned the behavior, calling it disrespectful and urging fans to respect players’ families.