Confirmed: Arsenal man handed 4-year football ban following misconduct


Gary Cooper, the Arsenal fan who ran onto the pitch at the Emirates and shoved Chris Smalling in March, has learned the punishment for his crime.

The 30-year-old, who is undefeated boxer Tyson Fury’s cousin, ran onto the field and pushed the United defender during the match, which ended in a 2-0 victory for the Gunners.

Cooper, who had been drinking heavily, was arrested and admitted common assault, after originally denying the charge.

As a result, Cooper has been given a 12 month community order, he must carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, he is banned from all football matches for four years and must pay £335 in costs.

Smalling will receive £100 of that fee in compensation.

The Daily Mail reports that Cooper has lost his job as a decorator due to the incident and now claims benefits. He issued a statement to the court, which read:

‘I accept I was present at the Arsenal v Manchester United Game on March 10.

‘In my excitement, I lost control and run onto the pitch after Arsenal scored a penalty.

‘I was particularly excited because Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had missed a penalty the week before and scored this week.

‘My sole objective was to celebrate with the players on the pitch and congratulate them.

‘I did not run on the pitch to confront any Manchester United player and had no intention of approaching Chris Smalling.

‘But before I knew it, in my overexcited state he was in my path.

‘No injury was caused to Chris Smalling. The Arsenal players hugged me and I managed to celebrate with them as my sole intention.

‘I apologise for my behaviour.’

Before his sentencing, Cooper offered another apology to the Manchester United player:

‘I am just so ashamed and have let myself and my family down,’ Cooper told MailOnline.

‘What happened was out of character. I am still in shock and feel awful.

‘I want to apologise to Chris Smalling, Manchester United and to Arsenal.

‘I got caught up in the emotion of the game and made a foolish mistake to run on to the pitch.

‘I had no intention of approaching Chris Smalling. He happened to be there as I ran to congratulate the Arsenal players.’