HE 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 – just hours after a brutal attack on Jack Grealish in the Birmingham derby.
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 Daily Mail: “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.”