Man charged for punching Stevenage player

(REUTERS)

A man 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 said today.

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 League Two Stevenage celebrated Saturday's giant-killing.