Football General Manager
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- Alfie Holt banned for three years for slapping Jack Grealish
- Incident occurred after heated Manchester derby at Old Trafford
- Grealish reportedly insulted Holt before minor assault happened
Holt slapped Grealish across the face as the Manchester City midfielder exited the pitch after the derby. The incident occurred in the tunnel area at Old Trafford, with Holt claiming he reacted after Grealish allegedly insulted him by calling him “little ugly w*nker”. He was arrested outside the stadium and later admitted to a single count of assault.
As per Sky Sports, the court was told that no physical injury was caused, but the assault occurred during a high-profile, televised match. Prosecutors argued that footballers are especially vulnerable in such situations and must be protected. Holt, who had no prior convictions, expressed regret and accepted full responsibility in front of the court and was given a three-year Football Banning Order and fined £120, with £85 costs and a surcharge of £48.
During the court proceedings, Grealish stated he could not hear what Holt was shouting due to crowd noise and tried to engage him before being slapped. Holt told police he had been drinking, and Grealish’s alleged comment triggered his reaction. His season ticket has already been revoked, which his lawyer called a major personal consequence.
Holt has been fined and is banned from all football stadiums for three years. The court heard fines cannot be deducted from Holt’s Personal Independence Payments, so his parents, with whom he lives, have agreed to pay them in full within 28 days.
