Birmingham set to sack steward for shoving Grealish

BIRMINGHAM CITY are expected to dismiss the steward involved in an altercation with Jack Grealish after the Aston Villa star went into the crowd to celebrate his goal at St Andrew’s.

Sportsmail can name Paul Fellows as an employee of the club and reveal that he is under serious threat of losing his job for aggressively shoving Grealish as well as team-mate Conor Hourihane. Birmingham have opened an investigation into the incident, which was caught on camera, and have said they will review all of their ‘stewarding, safety and security procedures as a matter of high importance.’ Sky Sports have released a longer clip of scenes following Grealish’s 67th-minute goal, which shows Fellows apparently kneeing the 23-year-old in the back to get him over the advertising hoardings. Some sources say he was actually trying to get his footing on a step but it is indisputable he pushes Grealish hard, unnecessarily, and also returns to barge Hourihane. Players are not permitted to enter the crowd and stewards are asked to assist if they do, but Birmingham hierarchy accept that Fellows’ actions were unacceptable. Footage shows Hourihane and Tyrone Mings reacting angrily to Fellows, who was then led off by police. He was not arrested, just spoken to by officers, but is now the subject of an investigation that is set to see him depart the club, although sources stress a decision has yet to be taken. Meanwhile, it can be revealed that the family of Grealish were worried about a pitch invader ahead of Sunday’s Second City derby. It was Grealish’s first time playing at St Andrew’s and — given his profile as Villa’s best player and boyhood fan — those close to him were concerned something could spark. They were aware of previous incidents involving fans running on to the field and how last season’s game was marred by hundreds of clappers being thrown at Villa players by Birmingham fans. Family members were said to be deeply upset when their fears were realised as Paul Mitchell sprinted to attack Grealish from behind. Mitchell was jailed for 14 weeks and barred from football stadiums for 10 years over the assault and Birmingham banned him for life. Grealish told police he was ‘shocked and scared’, adding: ‘I can’t help feel how lucky I was. It could have been a lot worse if he had a weapon.’