Zola the hero after fan attack

Chelsea's Gianfranco Zola was today being hailed as a hero for shepherding a fan off the pitch at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian diffused a potentially dangerous situation when he intercepted a supporter invading the pitch as Fulham were about to take a penalty during their 3-2 defeat last night.

Referee Peter Jones was the man's likely target and the Loughborough official was full of praise for Zola.

He told Standard Sport: "My first reaction was to wonder whether he was coming for me or a player and I have to complement Zola on the way he acquitted himself.

"He certainly helped the situation. He remained calm and the fellow was on and off very quickly.

"Zola is a wonderful player and a great ambassador for football. I think I speak for referees when I say he is a pleasure to work with. He is special and I think players and the club love him.

"A report will be made of the incident and it is disappointing because it only takes one idiot to spoil it for everybody else. Spectators on the field is not what you want. Chelsea will probably have an inquiry as to how he did get on but at every Premier League game we feel very confident of all the security and are careful not to over-react."