Shock as Villa star attacked
— There was shock yesterday after a thug was arrested for assaulting Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish during the Second City derby at St Andrew’s.
The assailant has now been identified as father-of-one Paul Mitchell, who is thought to live in Birmingham.
A determined Grealish had the last laugh by picking himself up after the vile assault and scoring the match-winning goal in the second-half.
The incident occurred in the ninth minute of the game when Mitchell, wearing a flat cap, ran onto the field from the Tilton End and punched Grealish in the head from behind.
The 23-year-old fell to the floor but, thankfully, did not appear to be badly hurt.
A steward, helped by both sets of players, then restrained the man.
Shortly after the incident Grealish scored what would end up being the match-winning goal and jumped over the hoardings to celebrate.
A steward restraining him appeared to kick the Aston Villa captain and was later led away by police.
In the shocking incident the man sprinted onto the field in the ninth minute and struck Grealish with some force — to cheers from some supporters.
The intruder was quickly restrained by stewards as several other Villa players rushed in to confront him.
The Aston Villa bench were all on their feet to check on Grealish while Birmingham City players came over to apologise to the Villa captain. — Mailonline.