Arsenal thug who pushed Chris Smalling is Tyson Fury’s cousin and insists ‘I am deeply ashamed of my actions’
Pitch invader Gary Cooper has apologised for his antics during the Gunners' win at the Emirates
THE Arsenal-supporting thug arrested for shoving Manchester United star Chris Smalling has been revealed to be boxer Tyson Fury's cousin.
Gary Cooper, 30, has apologised for his actions during the Gunners' huge win at the Emirates this weekend.
The Arsenal fan stormed on to the field after his team went 2-0 up and shoved Smalling -hours after Jack Grealish was attacked by a Birmingham supporter while playing for Aston Villa.
Grealish was punched in the head during the heated derby by Birmingham fan Paul Mitchell, 27, who was yesterday jailed for 14 weeks and banned from watching football for ten years.
On the back of his shove on Smalling, Cooper - who has been charged with common assault - told the : "I am just so ashamed and have let myself and my family down.
"What happened was out of character. I am still in shock and feel awful."
After being arrested by police and bailed prior to his court appearance on March 26, Cooper added: "I want to apologise to Chris Smalling, Manchester United and to Arsenal.
"I got caught up in the emotion of the game and made a foolish mistake to run on to the pitch.
"I had no intention of approaching Chris Smalling. He happened to be there as I ran to congratulate the Arsenal players.
"I am deeply ashamed of my actions and would never do anything to harm any of the players."
Cooper went on to say it was a spur of the moment reaction after a booze-fuelled afternoon, adding: "I just ran on to the pitch to celebrate.
"I was running madly across the pitch to celebrate with the Arsenal players and Chris Smalling just appeared in front of me.
"I have been an Arsenal fan all my life and I know now I will lose what has been so important to me. I am simply gutted that this has happened.
"I have followed Arsenal since I was a kid and that can be taken away."
Smalling posted a measured response to the attack on social media the morning after.
The England defender said: "Commenting would only add to the attention he craved...
"Disappointed with yesterday’s result but we’ll learn from it. Looking ahead. Have a good start to the week everyone!"
Cooper went on to say say he is proud of his cousin, the Gypsy King, but doesn't see as much of him since he shot to boxing fame.
The Emirates pitch invader added: "We were close as kids but do not see so much of him now, but I am very proud of what he has done."
Meanwhile, Fury himself hit the gym in Manchester today to train with Billy Joe Saunders ahead of his first fight since December's controversial draw with Deontay Wilder.