Police hunt Walsall fan after attack at Pride Park

Last updated : 10 October 2002 By
Incident here last Saturday....did you see anything?
Derby County Mad have today been in touch with Walsall Football Club in connection with a very nasty incident involving their own fans.

We have been given kind permission to reproduce the article that has been shown on Walsall’s official web site www.saddlers.co.uk
We hope that any Rams fans with any information will get in touch with the Saddlers at the website given above.

SADDLERS' Chief Executive Roy Whalley has been contacted by one of the victims of the vicious assault that took place at the end of Saturday's match against Derby County at Pride Park.

He explained: "This morning I received a telephone call from one of the victims of the attack."He has been a Walsall supporter for 40 years, and is a season-ticket holder. He has asked me not to reveal details of his name, but was accompanied to the match by his son.

"When the penalty was awarded, he was pushed from behind, either acidentally or deliberately. The victim has suffered from spinal injuries for several years and when the push took place, his son turned round to ask the man to be careful, since his father suffered from a bad back.

When the penalty was converted, there was another push from the back, which sent the victim tumbling over the seat in front. As the son turned round he was punched in the face by the attacker, who then also managed to kick the father in the face "The attacker then walked off.

He is described as being around 30 years of age, 6'0" tall, shaven head, overweight, wearing an orange/tartan Ben Sherman style shirt, jeans and brown boots."This information is invaluable in helping us to identify the aggressor.

The net is definetely closing, and I am hopeful that further progress will be made in the next few days "I would ask any supporter who thinks they know the identity of this vicious thug to let us know. We are working alongside West Midlands Police to solve this case.

I have been asked by the victim and his son to thank Walsall supporters for their kindness and concern following this incident, and to let supporters know that it will not stop them attending Walsall matches.

"The club have offered both victims a VIP Matchday Package at Bescot Stadium."

Our best wishes go to the two victims from all at Derby County Mad and we hope the hooligan will soon be under lock and key.