Luton issue 'lengthy' ban to supporter after incident involving Amad Diallo as police investigation launched

Luton Town have handed a 'lengthy' ban to a supporter after he was seen striking Manchester United wonderkid Amad Diallo during their Championship play-off semi-final against Sunderland, the club have announced.

Amad has spent the entire 2022/23 season on loan at Sunderland, and lined up in the starting XI for both legs of the play-off tie against the side that finished in third in the Championship.

Sunderland won the first leg 2-1, with the Ivorian grabbing the equalising goal for Tony Mowbray's side, meaning they went into the reverse fixture at Kenilworth Road with a slender advantage.

But it was the Hatters who would go on to triumph over the two legs, defeating the Black Cats 2-0 on Tuesday evening through first half goals from Gabriel Osho and Tom Lockyer.

Amad was unable to make the difference for his side on the pitch, despite his best efforts.

After the game, a video emerged on social media which showed the winger being struck in the back by what appeared to be a home supporter.

Luton have now issued an update.

Luton hand ban to home supporter

In a statement on their official website, Luton confirmed that a home supporter would be 'immediately issued' with a 'lengthy club ban' following the incident, which is now subject to a police investigation.

They wrote: "Luton Town is aware of an incident involving a home spectator and a Sunderland player during last night's Championship play-off semi-final at Kenilworth Road.

"A lengthy Club ban will be immediately issued and the incident is now also subject to a police investigation.

"Luton Town wishes to clarify that any such supporter behaviour is not acceptable in any way and will take swift, appropriate action to ensure that similar actions do not happen again.

"No further comment will be made by the Club at this time."