Published: 19 May 2012 – 13:47:07
Manchester City turned to the police to force a teenage fan to return the match ball used in their dramatic Premier League title-clinching victory over QPR.
City ended their 44-year wait to win the English league crown in remarkable fashion last weekend as stoppage-time goals from Edin Dzeko and then Sergio Aguero sealed a 3-2 triumph on the final day of the season.
Hundreds of City supporters spilled onto the Eastlands pitch to celebrate a result which saw their team finish above bitter rivals Manchester United on goal difference.
In the chaos that ensued one young fan made off with the ball, but his hopes of holding onto the prized souvenir came to an end as City officials wanted it back.
They viewed CCTV footage which identified a 17-year-old youth picking up the ball and it was then decided the matter should be brought to the attention of Greater Manchester Police who arrested him on suspicion of theft.
Shortly after his arrest he was “de-arrested” when City opted not to press charges and instead arranged a meeting with him to ask for their ball back.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “On Thursday, police were contacted by staff at Manchester City FC who said they wanted to report the theft of a match football.
“Acting on information provided, the following day officers arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of theft but de-arrested him shortly after.
“It was decided the most appropriate cause of action was to use Restorative Justice, so the boy was taken to the Etihad Stadium where he met with security staff and resolved the matter.”
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