Patrick Vieira will not face police charges after kicking Everton fan who abused Crystal Palace manager

MERSEYSIDE Police have confirmed Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira will NOT face any charges for kicking out at an Everton fan.

Vieira reacted angrily when a Toffees fan goaded him after his side let a two-goal lead slip on Thursday night to help Everton confirm their Premier League status.

The supporter approached Vieira as fans at Goodison Park stormed the pitch.

But after police spoke to both Vieira and the man involved, neither party will face further charges.

A statement said: "Merseyside Police has concluded enquiries into an altercation on the pitch following the Everton v Crystal Palace match on Thursday (19 May).

"Officers have spoken to both men involved and the opportunity to make a formal complaint or support a prosecution was declined."

But the FA's investigations into the matter remain ongoing.

Vieira could still face a three-gam ban from the FA for "violent conduct".

Although it's expected he is more likely to receive a warning with an acceptance that he was legitimately on the pitch and was acting in self-defence.

In video footage that emerged of the incident, the Everton fan appeared to say to Vieira: "Suck on that you muppet, get in! F*** off!"

The fan could also be seen putting his middle finger up at the Palace boss before Vieira grabbed him and kicked him to the ground.

Vieira spoke on the incident after Crystal Palace's final day victory over Manchester United, and called for more to be done to protect players.

Aston Villa's Robin Olsen was allegedly attacked by Manchester City fans on Sunday, while Swindon Town players also appeared to be targeted by Port Vale supporters following the League Two play-off semi-final.

And Vieira said: "The Everton incident is bigger than (just) that incident. There was a lot of pitch invasions that caused trouble. There are real issues here to reflect on and see the best ways to manage it.

"You don’t know what can happen. When you don’t know what can happen you fear for anything, for the players.

"We want to be safe and the best way is to find the best way for those kind of things not to happen. We want to be safe in our workplace.

"There is a big issue for the FA and Premier League to deal with.

"They need the support and the club and players to get involved as well. It’s not only the FA.

"Everybody has to take responsibility and see the best way for those things not to happen."