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Bristol City hero Korey Smith takes selfies with adoring fans during pitch invasion after Manchester United win

Robins pulled off remarkable Carabao Cup win over Red Devils to progress to Carabao Cup semi-final

Toby Gannon

Published: 23:24, 20 Dec 2017
Updated: 22:33, 25 Dec 2017

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BRISTOL CITY hero Korey Smith celebrated an historic win over Manchester United with pitch-invading fans.

His injury-time winner sent the Robins into the semi-final of the Carabao Cup - and sparked jubilant celebrations from the home support.

Bristol City hero Korey Smith takes selfies with pitch-invading fans — Bristol City hero Korey Smith takes selfies with pitch-invading fansCredit: PA:Press Association

Bristol City manager Lee Johnson hugs a ball boy as his side progress to the Crabao Cup semi-final — Bristol City manager Lee Johnson hugs a ball boy as his side progress to the Crabao Cup semi-finalCredit: Reuters

Thousands rushed the Ashton Gate pitch as City's stunning season reached new heights.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalised for United after Joe Bryan sent the hosts ahead, but Smith sealed the result.

He and the rest of the City team sprinted to the corner to celebrate with fans.

But once the final whistle blew, they took the party onto the pitch

Bristol City players celebrate cup victory against Manchester United and find out they'll face Manchester City next

Korey Smith stays on the pitch to celebrate with Bristol City supporters — Korey Smith stays on the pitch to celebrate with Bristol City supportersCredit: PA:Press Association

Match-winner Korey Smith described the win over Manchester United a 'dream come true' — Match-winner Korey Smith described the win over Manchester United a 'dream come true'Credit: PA:Press Association

Korey Smith hugs Bristol City fans as he soaks up the celebrations on the pitch — Korey Smith hugs Bristol City fans as he soaks up the celebrations on the pitchCredit: EPA

Korey Smith is happy for supporters to celebrate with him at the final whistle — Korey Smith is happy for supporters to celebrate with him at the final whistleCredit: PA:Press Association

Bristol City manager Lee Johnson spins a ball boy around at the final whistle — Bristol City manager Lee Johnson spins a ball boy around at the final whistleCredit: Reuters

Amazing pictures show Smith, 26, taking selfies with supporters while his manager Lee Johnson hugged a ball boy after Mike Dean called time.

Police had to enter the pitch to ensure celebrations did not turn violent and photos show fans being restrained.

Smith scored just his third goal of the season - but it is undoubtedly his most important.

He said: "It's absolutely unbelievable. A dream come true.

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"We played brilliantly, the boys were brilliant. Same as we've been doing all season.

"I don't score a lot but the lads are happy when I do."

Smith joined City in 2014 and was part of their promotion to the Championship.

The Premier League is now within their grasp as they sit third in the table.

Josh Brownhill is hoisted into the air by Bristol City supporters — Josh Brownhill is hoisted into the air by Bristol City supportersCredit: PA:Press Association

Bristol City players are surrounded by their adoring fans at Ashton Gate — Bristol City players are surrounded by their adoring fans at Ashton GateCredit: PA:Press Association

Some Bristol City players were happy to hug the pitch-invading supporters — Some Bristol City players were happy to hug the pitch-invading supportersCredit: Reuters

Bristol City players are jumped on by fans after securing an historic win over Manchester United — Bristol City players are jumped on by fans after securing an historic win over Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP or licensors

Thousands of fans rushed onto the pitch to celebrate together — Thousands of fans rushed onto the pitch to celebrate togetherCredit: PA:Press Association

He added: "I joined the club when we were in League One and we had three stands.

"This year we've been absolutely brilliant, the players are developing and the stadium is absolute amazing.

"It's nice to give the fans a season they're enjoying so far."

Supporters were desperate to celebrate with the Bristol City heroes — Supporters were desperate to celebrate with the Bristol City heroesCredit: EPA

Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku walks past Bristol City's celebrating fans — Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku walks past Bristol City's celebrating fansCredit: Reuters

Bristol City stars run to the corner to celebrate after Korey Smith's late winner — Bristol City stars run to the corner to celebrate after Korey Smith's late winnerCredit: PA:Empics Sport

Police take to the pitch to try and maintain calm despite the momentous result — Police take to the pitch to try and maintain calm despite the momentous resultCredit: Reuters

Bryan's opener was a cracker and silenced the visiting United fans.

But the left-back amazingly revealed he can't REMEMBER it.

He said: "I don't know. Honestly. It just broke and I hit it and it's gone in. I can't remember much until I see it again."

The Robins now face the other Manchester giant in Pep Guardiola's City.

Boss Johnson said: "It is brilliant.

"On to another big one against Manchester City over two legs. It is a chance for the players to test themselves against the best players."

Full Saturday Premier League preview including Leicester v Man Utd and Man City v Bournemouth

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Bristol City