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Maidstone fan cleared of assault after falling from Ipswich stand
Overview
John Ryan, a 62-year-old Maidstone United supporter, has been found not guilty of assault by beating and actual bodily harm at Ipswich Crown Court. Ryan fell from the upper tier of the Cobbold Stand during an FA Cup match against Ipswich Town in January 2024, sliding down a sloping roof and landing on two Ipswich fans below. He maintained that the fall was an accidental result of goal celebrations.
Key points
- John Ryan was cleared of one count of assault by beating and one count of actual bodily harm by an Ipswich Crown Court jury.
- The incident occurred in January 2024 during an FA Cup match when Ryan fell from the upper tier of Ipswich Town's Portman Road ground.
- Ryan fell onto Ipswich supporters Joanne Peters and Aaron Rose while celebrating a goal during Maidstone's 2-1 victory.
- Ryan told the court he was unable to stop himself during the celebrations and did not know if he had been pushed or if his foot slipped.
- Following the incident, Ipswich Town installed glass screens at the bottom of the upper tier of the Cobbold Stand to improve safety.