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Ipswich stadium fall was an accident waiting to happen, says injured fan
Overview
An Ipswich Town fan injured when a Maidstone United supporter fell onto him and his partner from an upper tier during an FA Cup match at Portman Road has called the incident an accident waiting to happen. The Maidstone fan was cleared of assault charges at Ipswich Crown Court, but the injured couple are seeking answers from the Football Association and Ipswich Town regarding stewarding and the previous lack of safety barriers on the stand.
Key points
- Ipswich Town fans Aaron Rose and Joanne Peters were injured in January 2024 when Maidstone supporter John Ryan fell from the Cobbold Stand upper tier onto them.
- John Ryan was found not guilty of assault by beating and causing actual bodily harm at Ipswich Crown Court.
- Aaron Rose stated that the match lacked proper stewarding and safety barriers on the upper tier at the time.
- Joanne Peters suffered aggravated pain to her existing spinal condition of scoliosis and faced online abuse following the incident.
- Ipswich Town installed glass screens at the bottom of the upper tier shortly after the fall occurred.