Grealish is decked in Brum derby
A BIRMINGHAM fan was banned for life after attacking Aston Villa star Jack Grealish during an explosive derby. Villa branded the assault
“cowardly” after their captain was blind-sided by a righthander from behind 10 minutes into the game.
Stewards failed to stop the fan getting on to the pitch, leaving him a clear run at Grealish before flooring him.
A steward tackled the fan as horrified Villa players rushed to protect Grealish.
Villa boss Dean Smith said: “Some mindless moron has gone on the pitch and attacked Jack.
“Then you’ve got 15,000 idiots clapping him which doesn’t help the matter. That’s disgraceful.
“The way Jack handled the whole thing was excellent. One of the lads said there was a steward looking to have a go as well.”
The fan, wearing a Peaky Blinders hat and a Birmingham City jacket, blew kisses towards the crowd as he was led away by stewards.
He was arrested by police and a Birmingham City statement said: “We deplore the behaviour of the individual who committed this act and rest assured he will be banned from St Andrew’s for life.
“The club will also support any further punishment this individual may face in the eyes of the law.”
Birmingham, already braced for a points deduction for breaking Financial Fair Play rules, can expect at least a big FA fine when ref Tim Robinson presents his report.
Club officials apologised in person to Villa captain Grealish who scored the 67th-minute winner.
But in a statement Aston Villa said they were appalled by the “disgraceful attack” and added: “A red line has been crossed.”
An FA spokesperson said: “It is a criminal offence to enter the field of play and we will be working with the police, relevant authorities and the club to ensure the appropriate action is taken.”
A Birmingham City steward was led away as Grealish celebrated his 67th-minute winner. It’s believed the man was spoken to by police but no offence has been reported.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have announced a fan who ran on to the Emirates pitch and shoved Chris Smalling during their home win over Manchester United has been arrested.