Ipswich supporter 'feared for life' when Maidstone fan fell on her from stand above

What the report says

A woman has told Ipswich Crown Court that she feared she might die after a football supporter fell from the upper tier of Portman Road and landed on her during an FA Cup tie between Ipswich Town and Maidstone United in January 2024. The complainant, Joanne Peters, said the impact left her terrified and caused injuries including whiplash-type symptoms, numbness and bruising. Her partner, Aaron Rose, also said he was struck during the incident.

The defendant, John Ryan, 62, of Chatham in Kent, is accused of assault by beating and actual bodily harm. He denies the charges. The jury has retired to consider its verdicts after hearing evidence about how Ryan, who had been among visiting supporters celebrating Maidstone’s 2-1 win, fell from the Cobbold Stand upper tier, slid down a sloping section near the boxes and landed among home fans below. The court also heard competing accounts about whether alcohol played a role and whether his movement toward the roof was intentional.

The case has drawn attention because it involves fan safety in crowded stadium seating and the risks posed by celebrations in steep stands. More broadly, football grounds in England are designed with barriers, stewarding and segregation to reduce such incidents, although accidents and crowd-related injuries can still occur. BBC Sport’s report said the trial was continuing as the jury considered the evidence.