Vieira calls for 'safety at work' after pitch invasion incidents / Photo: © AFP
-
Nick Harkaway Expands John le Carré’s Spy Universe in 'The Taper Man'
-
Binance CFO Kaiser Ng Departs Amid Aftermath of $6.3 Billion Hack
-
Rene Eyre Revisits Autobiographical Performance 'Say A Little Prayer' in London
-
London Museum Granted 24/7 License Ahead of November Opening
-
UAE's HCT Holds Record Graduation and Announces Major Training Expansion
-
Dana White Confirms Flight to Washington for Trump Meeting on Press Secretary Role
-
NASA Awards $10B Lunar Contract Framework to SpaceX, Blue Origin
-
Dengue Fever Expands Into High Himalayas as Climate Change Warms Nepal
-
Katy Perry Tells Fans Ex-Husband Russell Brand 'Should Be in Jail' During UK Concert
-
IoT Refrigerator Hacks Disrupt Blood Labs and Supermarkets Across Europe and US
-
South African election results renew debate over identity-based voting
-
Post-election pressures complicate US and Israeli decisions on Iran
-
South African voters report smoother local election but declining IEC trust
-
UN members approve talks on treaty protocol against environmental crime
-
Dolly Parton museum and Nashville hotel open after singer’s death
-
Family-run West Sussex beach café prepares for first winter season
-
George and Amal Clooney attend New York political-comedy reading
Vieira calls for 'safety at work' after pitch invasion incidents
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has said he feared for his own safety and that of his players after being involved in an on-field incident with a fan at Everton.
Vieira was surrounded by jubilant Everton fans following the final whistle at Goodison Park on Thursday after the home side came back from 2-0 down to seal a 3-2 victory with a last-gasp winner that secured the Merseyside club's Premier League status.
As the former France international was walking off the pitch to the away dressing room, he appeared to be repeatedly taunted by a fan and then reacted by attempting to kick out at the supporter.
Both the Football Association and Merseyside Police are looking into the incident -- one of several recent worrying examples involving fans, players and coaching staff.
Vieira, speaking publicly for the first time about what had happened to him in midweek following Palace's season-ending win at home to Manchester United on Sunday, said: "When you look at it in the Premier League, there were a lot of field invasions that can cause trouble.
"You don't know what can happen. When you don't know what can happen of course you fear for anything, for the players."
The former Arsenal and France star added: "As a coach, manager, player or staff we want to be safe in our workplace.
"I think there is a big issue on the FA and Premier League's plate to deal with."
There was another troubling pitch invasion on Sunday, with Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard saying goalkeeper Robin Olsen had been attacked when Manchester City fans poured onto the pitch to celebrate their side's dramatic Premier League title triumph.
In a repeat of the ugly scenes at Goodison, supporters rushed onto the pitch both after Ilkay Gundogan's winning goal and in greater numbers at full-time.
A Nottingham Forest fan was jailed this week for headbutting Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp after Tuesday's Championship play-off semi-final, second leg.
There were also scenes of disorder at Port Vale on Thursday, with Swindon manager Ben Garner saying his players were "physically and verbally abused" following their League Two play-off semi-final defeat.
F.Pavlenko--BTB
