A 20-year-old man has been charged with assault after allegedly slapping Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish following Sunday’s goalless Manchester derby at Old Trafford. The incident, which occurred as players were leaving the pitch, has sparked widespread attention and added a contentious footnote to the latest chapter of the storied rivalry between Manchester City and Manchester United.
According to reports, the altercation took place near the tunnel as Grealish, who entered the match as a substitute in the 74th minute, was making his way off the field after the 0-0 draw. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that Alfie Holt, of Haven Drive, Droylsden, was arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Holt is scheduled to appear at Manchester Magistrates Court on July 14, 2025.
A police statement read, “This charge relates to an incident which took place at Old Trafford Football Club on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Alfie Holt, 20, has been charged with assault.” Authorities have not released further details about the encounter, but it is understood that Grealish was not seriously injured.
The alleged assault comes amid a tense atmosphere at the match, which saw both clubs decline to comment due to the ongoing investigation. Manchester United, however, is reportedly cooperating with police inquiries. The lackluster draw—marked by limited scoring opportunities—had already left fans on edge, and the incident involving Grealish only heightened the post-match drama.
This is not the first time Grealish has faced aggression from a spectator. In 2019, while playing for Aston Villa, he was punched by a Birmingham City fan during a Championship match. That assailant, Paul Mitchell, was sentenced to 14 weeks in prison and banned from football matches for 10 years. Sunday’s incident has reignited discussions about player safety and fan behavior at high-stakes fixtures like the Manchester derby.
Adding to the controversy, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola criticized United supporters after the match for what he described as a “lack of class,” citing derogatory chants aimed at City’s Phil Foden regarding his mother. The alleged assault on Grealish has further fueled tensions between the two fanbases.