West Midlands Police have confirmed that a man has been arrested after Jack Grealish was punched in the first half of side’s derby match with Aston Villa.
The Championship clash was always going to be a fiery encounter but one Birmingham supporter overstepped the mark during the 128th meeting between the two rival teams.
Villa midfielder Grealish, born and raised in the city, came close to scoring in the ninth minute and received boos from the St Andrew’s crowd in the moments preceding the shocking incident.
The Birmingham fan in questioned leapt over the hoardings before striking Grealish’s head from behind.
Tammy Abraham and several Villa players jumped in to protect Grealish and the fan in question was led away by a steward.
? – “An absolute disgrace!”
A fan has run onto the field and attacked Jack Grealish from behind. pic.twitter.com/PI1Wf3qXfP
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 10, 2019
The supporter blew kisses in the direction of Birmingham’s home support as he was shepherded off the field.
Grealish appeared shaken but played on for the remainder of the first half which ended goalless.
West Midlands Police confirmed that the supporter had been arrested following his attack on Grealish.
‘ARREST: Following the incident on the pitch involving an attack on an Aston Villa player,’ a statement said.
‘A man has been arrested and en route to a custody block. Further details to follow.’
