James Maddison: FA open investigation into Aston Villa pitch invasion after Leicester star was pushed Thousands of fans entered the field of play at Villa Park after the home side’s dramatic victory in the Carabao Cup semi-final

The Football Association have opened an investigation into the pitch invasion by Aston Villa supporters in their Carabao Cup semi-final against Leicester City at Villa Park last night.

Leicester player James Maddison was pushed on the back of the head before stewards stepped in and his team-mate Jamie Vardy was goaded as thousands of jubilant fans rushed on to the playing surface at the final whistle of the tie, which Villa won 2-1 and 3-2 on aggregate.

The FA have confirmed they are investigating the incident after fans in the 39,300 crowd ignored numerous warnings over the PA system and on the big screens to enter the field of play.

Two flares billowing claret and purple smoke were also hurled on to the pitch to greet Trezeguet’s winner in the third minute of time added on.

The governing body say the fans are the responsibility of the club, and as such they are working with Villa, examining footage and looking into the processes the club has in place to deal with such matters.

As regards possible punishment, the FA stress they view incidents on a case by case basis and there is no timescale over when a decision will be made.

Villa employed extra stewards for the match, while lines of police prevented home fans who had encroached the playing surface from provoking Leicester supporters, who were all situated behind the goal in the North Stand.

The vast majority of fans ran on purely to celebrate the victory. It was Villa’s first major cup final since 2015 when they reached Wembley in the FA Cup final, while it was their first League Cup final for 24 years.

Asked if it was frightening at the end as so many fans ran on to the pitch, Villa left back Matt Targett, the scorer of their first goal, said: “Yes, it was. You could see so many people running at you from different directions, but it was a nice feeling.

“It was very special. It’s full of emotions this game, and that at the end is something we’ll treasure forever.”

Targett’s teammate Kortney Hause said: “They tried to [mob me], but I just kept dropping the shoulder [to dodge the fans]! It just shows the passion and that the fans really care about the club.”

Villa will play the winners of Manchester City and Manchester United in the final at Wembley on 1 March. City lead 3-1 from the first leg before the conclusion tonight at the Etihad Stadium.