Jack Grealish attacked by spectator in Birmingham v Aston Villa game
Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish was attacked by a spectator who ran on to the pitch in the Championship match at rivals Birmingham City on Sunday.
It happened in the 10th minute when a man wearing a cap came on to the pitch from the home section before swinging his arm towards Grealish’s face.
The man, who was wearing a Birmingham City jacket, blew kisses towards the crowd as he was led away by stewards.
West Midlands Police said a man has been arrested following the incident.
Villa captain Grealish sat on the St Andrew’s turf before being helped up by players from both teams and was able to continue.
The visitors went on to win 1-0, Grealish scoring the winner in the 67th minute.
The Football Association said it “strongly condemned the incident”, adding that it would be “working with the police, the relevant authorities and the club to ensure the appropriate action is taken”.
The EFL added: “It’s a situation no player should ever be faced with.
“Those playing in the game must be able to do so safe in the knowledge they will not be subjected to this type of behaviour.
“While this incident falls within the remit of the Football Association, we will work with all the relevant parties to address the issue of player and match officials’ safety on the pitch and ensure the appropriate action is taken.”
Birmingham apologised to Grealish and Villa immediately after the game and added that they would be reviewing their stadium safety procedures.
“We deplore the behaviour of the individual who committed this act and rest assured he will be banned from St Andrew’s for life,” said a Blues statement.
“The club will also support any further punishment this individual may face in the eyes of the law.
“What happened has no place in football or society. Jack is a Birmingham lad and regardless of club allegiance should not have been subjected to this – there are no excuses.”
Aston Villa said they were “appalled by the disgraceful attack” and that a “red line has been crossed by this cowardly on-field assault”.
“Local rivalries are part of the fabric of the game. However, as we are sure our friends at Birmingham City would agree, to have a player’s personal safety placed under such jeopardy is a serious cause for concern for the entire football community,” said a Villa statement.
Managers react to attack on Grealish
The managers of both clubs, Birmingham boss Garry Monk and Villa’s Dean Smith, said such an incident “should never happen on a football pitch”.
“The players’ safety is paramount,” said Smith. “They’re going out on the pitch to entertain 20,000 fans. That’s their job.
“I’m for local rivalry. It’s great, but there has to be a line drawn. It’s disgraceful but we need to educate society a bit.”
Monk said that the man should receive the “ultimate” available punishment.
“But, from my experiences over my year here, I have to say that one idiot does not represent what these fans are about,” he added. “It shouldn’t tarnish the reputation of the rest of them.”
Former Birmingham midfielder Darren Carter said on BBC WM radio: “It is a rivalry and you get passionate, but you should never come on to the pitch. That is diabolical behaviour.”
On Friday, a man was arrested after Rangers’ James Tavernier was confronted by a spectator during Friday’s Scottish Premiership draw with Hibs.
