Man City face FA probe as three fans hauled off pitch and others fight with police in stands during Southampton draw

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Man City face FA probe as three fans hauled off pitch and others fight with police in stands during Southampton draw

Manchester City faced an FA wrap after ugly scenes at the end of the draw at Southampton.

Three pitch attackers were shot to the ground by Saints stewards, while fans were also caught battling security and police in the stands.

Man City fans seen battling police at St Mary's as spectators drop rare points in Premier League

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Man City fans seen battling police at St Mary’s as spectators drop rare points in Premier Leaguecredit: Rex
Three supporters came to the pitch as the flames were extinguished

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Three supporters came to the pitch as the flames were extinguishedcredit: Rex

St. Mary’s Club will investigate reports of at least one object being thrown and a fire was set at the far end.

Sant will review the CCTV footage and decide what further action needs to be taken.

At least one of the pitch invaders was captured by the stewards and then apparently handed over to the police.

It was a tasteless end to a compelling 1-1 draw – and it wasn’t just fans who were involved in the post-match clash.

City forward Jack Grealish and Ralph Hasenhutl, home owner near Saints es Oriol Romeu, described the whole time as “a conversation” in the tunnel.

Grealish angrily pushed Romu in the first half of the game when the Spaniard asked him to get up after a bad foul by Southampton defender Jan Bednarek.

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The Premier League declined to comment on the crowd’s troubles.

Clubs and local authorities, including the police, have the initial responsibility for dealing with supporter behavior.

The FA will tackle any disciplinary issue but City could face a rap for failing to control their fans.

City defender Aymeric Laporte posted a Twitter photo of his hamstring thigh after a sick stud-up challenge from Saints midfielder Stuart Armstrong.

Incredibly, Armstrong got just one booking despite the VAR review.

Laporte added: “We played really well and probably deserved more, but it’s very difficult if we don’t score more than one.”

City fans watch Southampton draw their team 1-1

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City fans watch Southampton draw their team 1-1credit: EPA

Hasenhuttl commends his side for stopping City’s winning machine again.

The Saints halted the City’s race for a love win at 12 p.m. following their goalless draw at the Etihad in September.

Hasanhuttal said: “We found a point at the Etihad but doing it again is even more remarkable.

“City had a week to prepare and they came up with their best team.

“It’s amazing not to lose to them, to really fight for the point and deserve it because of the effort and passion.

“To me, Pep is the best in the world.

Players clash after Jack Grealish reacts to Oriol Romeu challenge

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Players clash after Jack Grealish reacts to Oriol Romeu challengecredit: getty

“Coming unbeaten against him means a lot to my staff and this team.”

The Saints took an early lead through Kyle Walker-Peters but Laporte equalized in the second half.

Walker-Peters was pleased with his first love goal and the full-back said: “It wasn’t a bad ending, was it?

It’s a great feeling to be in front of home fans and even better.”

Southampton deserved one point and City boss Pep Guardiola said: “That’s why it’s the hardest title to win every season.

“What can I say? It’s not over even if we win.”

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