Man City take no action over Bellamy slap for fan

Manchester City will take no action against Craig Bellamy for striking a spectator who ran on to the pitch during Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

Bellamy’s conduct in the final seconds of Manchester United’s 4-3 win is being investigated by both the police and the Football Association.

But City have judged that Bellamy had reason to fear for his own safety and have ruled out any internal disciplinary action.

“My take is that he thought the fella might spit in his face or something,” City’s assistant manager Mark Bowen said Tuesday.

“He came very close and moved towards him. Craig, with an open hand, just pushed the fella away.”

The FA are expected to announce later this week whether Bellamy will be charged with improper conduct.

Manchester police have charged the spectator with a public order offence. He has not made a formal complaint against Bellamy but the police could still decide to pursue a case against the player.