The Manchester United manager was on his way to a function in the capital when he was set upon by 43 year-old Kevin Reynolds. Described as a "fighting drunk", Reynolds admitted punching Ferguson in the groin and head-butting a community police officer who intervened. He was been charged with actual bodily harm, assault and a public order offence. A British Transport Police spokesman confirmed that 66 year-old Sir Alex suffered minor leg injuries in the incident.

Sir Alex is by no means the first football star to suffer at the hands of criminals. In recent years, numerous Premier League stars have had their homes burgled whilst plying their trade on the pitch. Earlier this year, the home of Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina was ransacked by intruders whilst he saving the penalties that sent Liverpool through to the Champions League final. His teammates Peter Crouch, Jerzy Dudek and Daniel Agger have also been burgled whilst playing for the Reds.

Juan Sebastian Veron’s unhappy spell at Chelsea reached its nadir in 2004 when an intruder broke into his home. Wayne Harley stole thousands of pounds of jewellery and threatened the Veron and his girlfriend with a machete. He was subsequently caught and charged with aggravated burglary.

In 2003, LA Galaxy star David Beckham’s family was at the centre of a reported kidnap plot. An investigative reporter for the News of the World claimed to have infiltrated a gang alleged to be plotting to kidnap Victoria Beckham and her children before demanding a £5 million ransom. Following the paper’s expose, the gang appeared in court but the case against them collapsed after a key prosecution witness was declared unreliable by the judge.

But not all footballers are easy targets. In 2001, two burglars made the mistake of targeting the home of notorious Everton hardman Duncan Ferguson. The pair forced entry into the Ferguson’s home in Rufford, Lancashire but were startled when he confronted them. The Scottish striker was able to detain one of the intruders who subsequently spent three days in hospital. His partner in crime was caught shortly after and both men received 15 month jail sentences. They later won honourable mentions in the 2001 Darwin Awards.