Apology not enough as Leicester ban fan for life for Walker incident

John Curtis
Tuesday 03 February 2004 01:00 GMT
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Leicester City yesterday issued a life ban to the fan who encroached on to the pitch during Saturday's Premiership fixture with Aston Villa.

The lifetime suspension against Andrew Price, of Market Harborough, will start with immediate effect and covers all footballing and non-footballing events at the Walkers Stadium. Price is also the subject of separate police investigations.

Price was pushed to the ground by the Leicester City goalkeeper, Ian Walker, before being taken away by stewards and then being released on police bail on Saturday evening.

Price, 38, said: "It will be a large chunk of my life gone. I wish it had never happened. I don't know why I did it. I want to apologise to the club, to [the Leicester manager] Micky Adams, Ian Walker and all the players. I am so sorry."

The Leicester season ticket holder added: "When I saw what had happened in the papers and on television, I realised how stupid I had been. I've never done anything like that before. It was just a spur of the moment thing.

"I was surprised I got that far and found myself standing in front of Ian Walker.

"When I got to him I said I didn't think he was fit to be a Premiership player. He told me to get lost basically.

"There was definitely no intention on my part to harm him. I've been a City fan all my life and would never harm one of the players.

"He started shoving me but I should not have been there. It's understandable."

Leicester City issued a statement which read: "The club notes the full apology made by Mr Price for his actions but given the seriousness of the incident had no option but to apply a life ban.

"The club has also completed a review of its match day security procedures and steps have been taken to ensure that player safety will not be further compromised."

Meanwhile, the Football Association confirmed that Walker will not face any disciplinary action.

Adrian Bevington, the FA head of media relations, said: "Thankfully, these kind of incidents are very rare. However, all fans should note that entering the field of play is an offence and can lead to criminal convictions."

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