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Mame Diouf's brother set upon by City fans

Ian Herbert
Monday 19 April 2010 00:00 BST
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The brother of Manchester United striker Mame Diouf was attacked by Manchester City fans after their team's defeat on Saturday as scenes of violence marred a derby between the sides for a third time this season.

It is unclear whether the fans who set upon 28-year-old Abdul Diouf, the Senegalese-born striker's eldest brother, recognised him as a relative of a United player but he was wearing the 22-year-old forward's Carling Cup final shirt, with the name 'Diouf' written across the back, when he was attacked him from behind by fans who, according to one witness, kicked and punched him to the ground and left him in a bush.

Word of the incident spread among fans late on Saturday after it was tweeted by a supporters' website. Other witnesses said yesterday that Diouf had found himself ambushed after taking a wrong turn after leaving the ground and stumbling into a group of fans who were shouting 'Munich' as they set upon him.

Mame Diouf's agent Jim Solbakken said the player's brother had not been injured. "There was an incident after the match," Mr Solbakken said. "He was attacked from behind by some Manchester City supporters as he was walking away from the ground. Fortunately there was no need for medical treatment and he got away without any injuries." The attack contributed to a tough afternoon's work for Greater Manchester Police, with one group of fans attempting to turn over a police van and 20 fans arrested in all.

The Football Association will today study evidence of United captain Gary Neville kissing his badge as he left the field, before deciding whether it constituted provocative behaviour, though initial indications are that Neville's conduct will be adjudged as just about acceptable. Neville was warned about his future conduct by the FA after his demonstrative celebrations in September's Old Trafford derby.

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