Source: Daily_Mail
Police charge fan with common assault after punching Stevenage star
The Stevenage supporter, who was arrested after a footballer was punched while celebrating his team's victory in an FA Cup match, has been charged with two offences, police have said.Robert Fitzgerald, 24, from Stevenage has been charged with common assault and going on to a playing area at a designated football match contrary to sections 4 and 5 of the Football Offences Act, Hertfordshire Police said.He has been bailed to appear before Stevenage Magistrates on January 26.Stevenage's Scott Laird was knocked to the ground after the club's 3-1 victory against Newcastle.Police and the Football Association both began investigations after Laird was floored when fans ran on to the pitch as the League Two side celebrated Saturday's giant-killing. Stevenage full-back Scott Laird is punched following a pitch invasion on Saturday Fans rush towards the punch-up, which saw Laird knocked unconscious following Stevenage's 3-1 defeat over Newcastle Laird falls to the ground following the attack, which Jade Coles says was carried out by her boyfriend Rob Fitzgerald The girlfriend Fitzgerald, who was caught on camera punching Laird on the pitch after the game, says he did it because she used to be his 'lover'. Pregnant Jade Coles says Rob Fitzgerald attacked the full-back because he was 'defending her honour'. Fitzgerald was arrested on Monday on suspicion of assault in relation to the incident after handing himself in at Stevenage police station and faces aten-year ban from football grounds. Jade told The Sun: 'I haven't been in a relationship with Scott now for two or three years but Rob knows about it. 'Scott was a player and I don't mean on the pitch. He was a bit of a ladies' man. 'Rob was at the game celebrating the victory on the pitch. He saw Scott celebrating and just lost his temper. He'd been drinking and that's why it happened.'If Fitzgerald, who is currently in custody, is charged and found guilty, Hertfordshire police would seek to place a football banning order on him which could last between three and 10 years. He could also face a jail term if found guilty of assault. Prior to the attack, Laird is surrounded by supporters celebrating the win The punch, which knocked Laird unconscious, was captured on camera and will be investigated by the Football Association. Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace was fearful that his club's triumph could be overshadowed by the incident. 'I'm stunned. I didn't know this had happened,' he said.'You try to keep people off the pitch but, after a result and a fantastic team performance like this, your thoughts are elsewhere. It will be up to the FA and others to decide what action, if any, will be taken.'A spokesman for the club said: 'Scott does know Jade but they haven't had any contact for two-and-a-half years and they never dated.' Explore more:Places: Newcastle Organisations: Football Association