CRASH FAN WALLOP; Pitch invader gets smacked by striker.

Byline: JOHN KELLY 

PREMIERSHIP star Craig Bellamy shows the form of a true striker - as he thumps a lout during yesterday's Manchester derby.

Man City goal ace Bellamy, 30, lashed out at the pitch invader as stewards dragged the man off the field at Old Trafford.

The United supporter ran on to celebrate after Michael Owen's injury-time winner sealed a dramatic 4-3 victory.

Police say Bellamy, who scored twice, could face charges if a complaint is made.

But City boss Mark Hughes defended him and compared him to legendary boss Brian Clough, who hit pitch invaders 20 years ago. Hughes said: "I did not see it but the guy should not have been on the pitch.

"That's not acceptable. When Brian Clough clipped someone's ear he was lauded as a national hero. Maybe it will be the same with Craig, but I doubt it."

Nottingham Forest icon Clough clouted two supporters after a 1989 cup tie when they ran on to celebrate a win. He faced no further action - and kissed the pair on TV to make up.

Police said of yesterday's incident: "If asked to investigate, we will."

BLACKBURN'S El-Hadji Diouf was quizzed by police yesterday for allegedly racially abusing a ballboy.

The lad told a supervisor after the incident at Everton's Goodison Park. Home fans also turned on the Senegalese star. In 2003 Diouf was banned for spitting at fans and in 2004 was fined for doing the same to Portsmouth's Arjan de Zeeuw.

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