SOCCER: Manchester City has apologised to Rio Ferdinand after he was hit above the left eye by a two-pence coin thrown from the crowd near the end of a heated derby clash with Manchester United.
The club said it “unreservedly condemns” the incident which took place as the defender celebrated his team’s last-gasp winner in their 3-2 Premier League away victory.
With blood pouring down his face there was more controversy when a City supporter ran on to the pitch to confront Ferdinand.
The fan slipped and fell as he approached the player and then England and City goalkeeper Joe Hart stepped in to separate the pair as he restrained the pitch invader who was eventually arrested.
Police are scouring CCTV footage at the Etihad Stadium in a bid to trace the coin-throwing culprit as the English FA said it had launched its own inquiry.
Manchester City said its security officials would co-operate fully with Greater Manchester Police over incidents of missiles being thrown on to the field of play and, it said, between the rival sets of supporters.
Viewers on Sky Sports, which showed the match live, also saw Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney being forced to dodge an array of objects thrown in his direction as he took a corner.
