COLERAINE DEFENDER JOHNNY Black has said he was left in shock after a fan punched him in the mouth.
The incident occurred during last night’s Irish League Cup semi-final with Cliftonville minutes after Black had scored the winner in extra-time at Solitude.
The player, who sustained a bloodied nose and lip, was about to leave the pitch when he was struck from behind.
“He gave me a punch on my mouth but he was caught and hopefully he will be dealt with,” Black told BBC Sport.
“I was just walking down the tunnel and saw somebody coming out the corner of my eye.”
Black added that there was “no place in football for that kind of stuff” and police last night arrested a 16-year-old boy in relation to the assault.
A statement from Cliftonville condemned the the violent incident, saying:
“Cliftonville Football Club, with the help of the Irish Football Association and other authorities, will in the coming days look closely at the events that occurred and will take appropriate action in addressing any issues arising from our investigations.
“Cliftonville Football Club wishes to condemn any persons involved in actions that tarnish our Club.”
The 23-year-old scored an unbelievable free-kick from his own half back in September. Watch it here:
YouTube credit: dingbatdommusic
