Gran’s praise for Man United star Marouane Fellaini after he rescues her from being crushed by crowds
Fellaini directed stewards to Gale Allen, 59, who was struggling to breathe after falling in a crowd of celebrating fans
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A grandmother who was struggling to breathe after being caught in a terrifying crush at a football match has praised Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini for coming to her rescue.
Gale Allen, 59, became trapped between an advertising board and a crowd of celebrating fans during Manchester United's match against Hull City on Saturday.
A winning injury-time goal by 18-year-old Marcus Rashford sent United fans into a frenzy, which involved many surging onto the pitch to celebrate with players.
Gale, who was pulled from the crowds after Fellaini pointed her out to stewards, has praised the Belgian midfielder's rescue efforts for saving her from being crushed.
The Mirror reported that the grandmother, who lives with her husband in Stertford near Manchester, said: "I was simply celebrating when the hoarding collapsed with others on top of me."
Gale, who can be seen in a pink hoody pushed against the boards, added: "I was being crushed. Fellaini came to my rescue - my hero."
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Fellaini was first to notice Gale's cries for help as she fell over when the crowds behind her pushed forward towards the pitch, and was reportedly struggling to breathe in the chaos.
Thanks to the midfielder's quick thinking, she escaped the crush without serious injury - although another man had to be carried away on a stretcher after being hurt during the celebrations.