CITY FAN ATTACKED STEWARD
SUPPORTER SLAMMED VICTIM’S HEAD IN DOOR
AN “AGGRESSIVE” Cardiff City fan slammed a steward’s head in a door following an altercation while attending a football match with his son.
Shocking footage capturing the moment shows staff trying to remove the football fan from the stadium before he runs at the door and kicks it into the head of a “devoted” steward, who has been with the club for more than 20 years.
David William Morgan, 48, has been banned from attending football matches for three years after appearing in court on yesterday where he pleaded guilty to assaulting steward David Motherway by beating him.
Morgan, of Hunter Street, Cardiff, admitted he assaulted the steward when Cardiff City played Huddersfield Town on August 21.
Prosecuting, Matthew Thomas said: “It happened at Cardiff City Stadium at a match between Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town.
“David Motherway is a steward at the stadium.”
Cardiff Magistrates’ Court heard Mr Motherway noticed a fight among Cardiff fans and attempted to try and calm the situation.
After this failed, Morgan was eventually removed from the ground.
The court was then shown CCTV footage of Morgan when staff tried to calm him outside the stadium.
It shows him coming back and fore before eventually slamming a door into Mr Motherway’s head and causing it to jam.
The court was told this led the victim to bleed and show signs of concussion.
“While outside the ground the defendant acted aggressively and used words to the effect of ‘I will take you all on”,” added Mr Thomas.
“His (Mr Motherway’s) head was trapped between the door and the door jammed.
“There were four police officers on that day – the altercation took two officers away from the stadium.”
Morgan was later arrested and was said to be “shocked” after viewing the footage.
The court was told he was trying to build a relationship with his son after separating from his wife.
Morgan was said to have been drinking prior to the incident which led to his recollection of events being hazy.
Mr Thomas said: “When he saw the CCTV he was clearly shocked at seeing his actions, saying he couldn’t remember what he did.
“After seeing it he could remember some parts.
“He is very remorseful for his actions. He has offered to apologise.”
Defending Morgan, Martha Smith-Higgins, explained the defendant accepted his actions and is sorry for what he’s done.
She explained he was happy to accept the banning order as long as it didn’t prevent him from working on the trains at Transport For Wales.
Ms Smith-Higgins said: “He had recently split from his wife of 29 years two months before.
“It was the first time in two months he had met with his son.
“Another supporter started arguing with his son.
“He then started to defend him. “He accepts that he was acting aggressively.
“He didn’t go out to assault anyone. “He is worried his son won’t look up to him as the father he needs to be.
“He is still very much upset about the incident and is undergoing counselling.”
Sentencing Morgan, District Judge Stephen Harmes, said the incident could have led to Mr Motherway receiving some “serious injuries”.
Judge Harmes said: “I’m appalled by what I’ve seen today.
“I think anyone who watched that would be appalled.
“You were with your son and you’re protective over him.
“It could have resulted in a very serious injury – a fractured skill, a bleed on the brain – who knows?
“Clearly from what I’ve seen that was a very serious assault.”
Morgan was handed a football banning order which is to last for three years.
He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, and has to pay £500 in compensation to the victim as well as other court costs.
South Wales Police football officer PC Christian Evans said: “South Wales Police will not tolerate any kind of violence or abuse towards stewards who are essentially public servants, working hard to keep the Cardiff City Stadium a safe place for all.
“The overwhelming majority of Cardiff City fans are well-behaved and passionate about their club and will no doubt be shocked by this incident.
“Whenever there is evidence of football-related disorder or violence we always pursue those responsible in order that appropriate action is taken.
“Mr Motherway has devoted more than 20 years to Cardiff City Football Club as a steward and it is just fortunate that this drunken assault did not result in serious injury.”