What happened to Jack Grealish and why did Paul Mitchell punch him at the Birmingham City vs Aston Villa game?
Here's everything we know about the bizarre interruption and how Jack Grealish reacted to the assault.
What happened to Jack Grealish?
A Birmingham City fan ran on to the pitch just ten minutes into a game against Aston Villa on Sunday, March 10.
The intruder, Paul Mitchell, charged into Villa captain Jack Grealish him and punched him before officials wrested him off the pitch.
Grealish, 23, sat on the St Andrew's turf before being helped up by players from both teams and was able to continue – later scoring Villa's winning goal in the 67th minute.
A statement by the footballer read: "Jack Grealish was shocked and scared because if this person was brazen enough to get onto the pitch, what else could he do?"
The Football Association said it "strongly condemned the incident", adding it would be "working with the police, the relevant authorities and the club to ensure the appropriate action is taken".
Why did Paul Mitchell punch him and was he sentenced?
In court, 27-year-old Paul Mitchell admitted storming the pitch because he thought Wealish was a "kn*b".
The father, who has a toddler and a baby on the way, was locked up for 14 weeks after pleading guilty to assault.
Mitchell, a season ticket holder for over 20 years, hadn't been drinking at the game with his dad and hit Grealish "as a joke", Birmingham Magistrates' Court heard.
Magistrate Alison Fisher said: "This was an unprovoked assault on a footballer doing his job in front of 23,000 spectators and thousands watching on TV, including families.
“We note that you have taken responsibility for your actions. However, this type of behaviour is totally unacceptable.
"The sentence must act as a punishment and a deterrent to others in order to send a message to the public and fans and players like Mr Grealish who should be protected at all times."
Birmingham City apologised to Grealish and Villa immediately after the game and added it would be reviewing its stadium safety procedures.
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