Source: PA
FA to investigate fan attack at Stevenage
The Football Association will launch an investigation after a Stevenage player was punched by a fan while celebrating the shock FA Cup victory against Newcastle.
Defender Scott Laird was floored by the blow following the final whistle as the League Two side celebrated their 3-1 win over their Premier League opposition. Stevenage manager Graham Westley confirmed that Laird had been poleaxed by the blow in an incident which marred the most glorious night in their history.
Westley said: "Scott Laird was stood celebrating with the fans and a fan just came over and smashed him from the side. He went to the ground and it is a shame for the afternoon to end in that way.
"He is a bit bewildered. He (the fan) gave him a right-hander, just smashed him across the cheek and knocked him to the ground. He said to me, `It's lucky I've got a big head to take it'. It was a sad way for things to end."
A video of the incident was swiftly posted on the internet and the FA are certain to study the evidence next week.
An FA spokesman said: "It's something that should be flagged up in our meeting on Monday. It might be that there was a stadium advisor at the game who'll be able to advise us on that."
