Birmingham apologise to Grealish and give yob who punched him lifetime ban after disgraceful attack in Aston Villa clash
The FA is certain to investigate the shocking incident that saw a Blues yob run onto the pitch and assault Grealish from behind.
But the club told SunSport that they will issue a lifetime ban regardless of any FA banning order.
The Blues also will speak to Grealish and have already published an apology on their club website.
It reads: "Birmingham City Football Club would like to apologise to Jack Grealish and Aston Villa Football Club for an incident in this afternoon’s derby match.
"We deplore the behaviour of the individual who committed this act and rest assured he will be banned from St Andrew’s for life.
"The club will also support any further punishment this individual may face in the eyes of the law.
"The club will be working with the relevant authorities to investigate all the circumstances and we will be reviewing our stadium safety procedures.
"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.
"Again, we apologise to Jack and all at Aston Villa Football Club."
The Championship game had not even reached the 10-minute mark when Grealish was assaulted.
Players from both teams as well as a steward then ran towards the yob and managed to get him off the pitch.
The man shockingly saluted his actions as he was being led away and fans were even heard CHEERING him off.
Grealish, 23, is a Villa youth product and was captaining the side in the fiercely-contested derby game.
The toxic atmosphere was evident in the early stages of the fiery clash when Blues midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld was booked for a foul on Grealish.
But one supporter took things totally too far, and is sure to have incurred a heavy penalty for the club he is supposed to support.
West Midlands Police have confirmed the man has been arrested.
They tweeted: "Following the incident on the pitch involving an attack on an Aston Villa player; a man has been arrested and en route to a custody block."
The EFL released a statement shortly after the incident.
It read: “The EFL condemns the mindless actions of the individual who encroached on to the pitch at St Andrews on Sunday afternoon.
“It’s a situation no player should ever be faced with.
“In all circumstances the playing surface is for players, not supporters and 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.
“Whilst 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.”
Source: Read Full Article