A 60-year-old Millwall fan was rushed to hospital “seriously injured” after being brutally assaulted outside the Birmingham City stadium on Saturday (April 23).
The man had just arrived with his family outside St Andrews stadium ahead of Millwall’s 3pm away game when he was attacked on Cattell Road.
A 30-year-old man from Smethwick, near Birmingham, was arrested soon after the attack and is being held on suspicion of wounding.
West Midlands Police said that the high number of officers already at the game meant the man was well looked after in the immediate aftermath of the attack, before being taken to hospital.
A Millwall spokesperson said: “The club is assisting the police and other authorities with their investigation into disorder involving both sets of supporters following the conclusion of Saturday’s game. Any individual found guilty of such offences will receive an indefinite ban from home and away matches.”
If you saw what happened contact West Midlands Police quoting reference number 2193-23/04/22.
If you do not want to speak to the police, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. They will not ask your name and will not trace your call. You may also be entitled to a cash reward.
It came amid an afternoon of violence related to the match, with fans fighting across the city. Police arrested five people and warned of more arrests to come as they look into CCTV footage.
People chucked bricks, bottles and other objects around and used them as weapons. Some 150 seats were torn up out of the stadium.
Police used helmets, riot shields and batons to keep control of the crowds, and were supported by dog teams and drone units.
Chief superintendent Ian Parnell said: “The violent behaviour was unacceptable and we will do everything we can to find those responsible so that they can be punished appropriately by the courts.
“We always push for the maximum punishment and we are supported by the clubs in this. Most fans just want to enjoy the game but a minority have ruined today for the majority.
Birmingham said: “The Club are aware of a number of incidents of supporter disorder, before, during and after Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship fixture with Millwall. We are working with the authorities to help identify the perpetrators who, if found guilty, will be subject to the scrutiny of the law.
“The Club will also be conducting an internal investigation in line with our disciplinary policy. There is no place for the kind of behaviour witnessed on Saturday and those involved will be no longer welcome at St. Andrew’s.”