Man City full-back Joao Cancelo has been thanked by the family of a 10-year-old boy after the City star saved him from injury during the pitch invasion that followed his side’s Premier League title win.
When the final whistle blew in City’s 3-2 win over Aston Villa on the final day of last season, the atmosphere in the Etihad Stadium was nothing short of pandemonium. They had done it. They had won the title.
From two goals down, Pep Guardiola’s side fought back in the second half and earned a vital 3-2 win over Steven Gerrard’s Villa. The result ensured that the Premier League title stayed in Manchester, and didn’t go to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
But the euphoria quickly turned to panic for young Ollie Gordon, who has autism, dyspraxia and other developmental and co-ordination conditions.
The pitch invasion
At full-time, fans rushed onto the pitch. Supporters serenaded their stars for their triumph and celebrated with one another.
However, there were some unsavoury scenes too. Footage emerged of Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen being struck on the back of the head by some onrushing fans.
This drew parallels with the incident involving Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp and Nottingham Forest fans a few weeks prior. This was hardly the place for any child to be.
Cancelo saves Ollie
Ollie Gordon was on the pitch with his dad, Lee, when he became separated. Due to Ollie’s medical condition, he requires constant supervision.
Cancelo spotted the scared 10-year-old and immediately went to help him.
“Cancelo pulled him in, both arms around him like a bear hug, kissed the top of his head and was pushing people back,” said Ollie’s mum Lauren, in an interview with Manchester Evening News. “It was quite quick, but people were pushing and shoving. My son was terrified.
“He can’t be on his own, has to be supervised. It was unfortunate he got on the pitch before his dad and took off.”
Cancelo receives thanks
Ollie’s mother continued to thank Joao Cancelo for assisting her son during the Man City pitch invasion. She lauded the kindness and care that the Portuguese star showed.
She said: “[Ollie] said if it wasn’t for Cancelo, who didn’t just hug him, he kept his arms around him, which gave his dad time to get there. If he hadn’t, especially the size of the men. He’s pressed up against Cancelo’s chest with all these men crushing up against him. It could have been a completely different story, a little boy on his own on the pitch.
“That man should have been running around screaming and celebrating this win, but instead took time to stop and look after a little boy.
“He was being mobbed himself. You’d expect him to try and get off the pitch. He completely stopped to look after this little boy who he has no connection to. He probably won’t see it as a big deal, he would have been trampled if not.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty
