Football
Jonathan Smith, Manchester City correspondent 7y

Bournemouth withdraw complaint that Man City's Sergio Aguero assaulted steward

Bournemouth have withdrawn a complaint alleging Sergio Aguero assaulted a steward in Manchester City's win on Saturday, after the striker insisted he "did not hit anyone."

Aguero and his teammates were celebrating Raheem Sterling's 97th-minute winner in the 2-1 victory at the Vitality Stadium. The City players went to celebrate in front of the away end, with stewards and police intervening as fans spilled onto the pitch, when the alleged incident took place.

Dorset Police took a statement from a steward who alleged he was struck by Aguero after the late winner in the game against Bournemouth, a source has told ESPN FC.

Aguero wrote on social media that the allegations against him were false.

A source said City had looked at the footage and are confident that the matter will not be taken any further, and a few hours later, Bournemouth said the complaint had been withdrawn, calling it "a misunderstanding."

"The club have been advised that due to a misunderstanding, an earlier statement alleging assault has been withdrawn and no assault took place," a Bournemouth statement said.

"AFC Bournemouth recognises that stewards and police were carrying out their duties in preventing encroachment onto the pitch, with the safety of players and supporters in mind.

Dorset Police earlierĀ said in a statementĀ that two men had been arrested.

"Today, Saturday 26 August 2017, Manchester City scored a winning goal during the last minute of the AFC Bournemouth Premiership fixture.

"The goal was followed by excited celebrations where a number of Manchester City supporters encroached on to the pitch. Two male spectators from Manchester were arrested as a result. No other arrests have been made in relation to this incident

"Officers are reviewing CCTV of the pitch encroachment as part of an on-going investigation to establish whether any other offences may have been committed.

"This investigation is in the very early stages and if any further actions need to be taken, this will happen in due course."

Sterling was sent off by referee Mike Dean after the incident for sparking the celebrations, baffling City boss Pep Guardiola, who said: "If you cannot celebrate with the fans the best solution is not to invite the fans."

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