Man to face court on footballer charge

A man who was arrested after a footballer was punched while celebrating his team's victory in an FA Cup match is expected to appear in court today charged with two offences.

Robert Fitzgerald, 24, from Stevenage, is due to appear before magistrates in the town accused of 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.

Stevenage FC's Scott Laird was knocked to the ground after the club's 3-1 victory against Newcastle United on January 8.

Police and the Football Association both began investigations after Laird was floored when fans ran on to the pitch as League Two Stevenage celebrated the giant-killing.