Man charged in Bellamy missiles probe

A man suspected of throwing a coin which struck Craig Bellamy on the head during Manchester City’s League Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester United has been charged with the offence, Manchester police said Thursday.

City striker Bellamy was struck on the back of the head by a coin, as well as having bottles and other missiles thrown at him, as he prepared to take a corner in Wednesday’s second leg at Old Trafford.

The man charged, Adam Teese, 26, will appear in court on February 9 and will be banned from United for life if convicted, which could also lead to the club being sanctioned by the Football Association for failing to control their fans.

Police made a total of 11 arrests at Wednesday’s match, which was largely trouble-free apart from the Bellamy incident. A total of 29 people had been arrested as a result of incidents during the first leg at the City of Manchester stadium last week.

City won that match 2-1 but a 3-1 win for United in the return match ensured it was the red half of Manchester which was celebrating on Thursday.