Ipswich Update: Fans Run Into Serious Problem

| January 30, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Suffolk Constabulary says it is aware of the event in which a Maidstone fan fell from the upper tier of the Cobbold Stand during the National League South side’s 2-1 FA Cup victory over the Blues at Portman Road, but it is not a police matter, though it will be discussed at the upcoming Safety Advisory Meeting.

The Maidstone fan, 59-year-old John Ryan, was shown on social media rolling down the roof of the executive boxes and onto the supporters below as he celebrated Lamar Reynolds’ first goal for the Stones.

A Suffolk Constabulary statement reads: “Suffolk Police is aware of the incident, which is being investigated internally by Ipswich Town FC, and the man has been ejected from the stadium.”

“The constabulary works closely with the club and whilst this incident is not a police matter, it will be discussed at the next Safety Advisory Group meeting.”

Ryan, who was two rows from the front of the upper deck, described his version of events.

“We had just scored and were celebrating when, all of a sudden, I tumbled over the front since I had nothing to hang on to. “I rolled down and landed on the people below,” he told Kent Messenger.

“People run forward, as they do when you score, and I believe I was shoved from behind and fell over.

“I couldn’t control myself. It was a terrible landing, with a mix of passengers and seats. Nobody was wounded, but they were all complaining and unhappy.

“They all stood up and began shouting at me, and then the stewards arrived and took me away.” I was checked by the medical staff, and that was it.”

Ryan was removed, but praised the Town stewards: “It was not the stewards’ choice to throw me out. They were great. One of them even returned my cap for me.

“They were on the phone with people, and it was such a big deal. I was disappointed not to be able to witness the remainder of the game, but what can you do?

I stood outdoors. I could hear the crowd and everything, so I listened to the rest of the game on the radio. At least we advanced to the next round.”

Meanwhile, Jo Peters, the Town fan Ryan landed on, was less delighted with her day.

“I feel like I’ve been hit by a bus – all down my right hand side, upper body and neck are sore,” the 51-year-old told the BBC.

“There was a little boy two seats to my left, and if that man had landed on him… it continues running through my mind, and it makes me upset. It’s the shock of it. “It should not have happened.”

Peters expressed disappointment that she had been informed “it was an accident, accidents happen” by someone from Town following the occurrence. “I feel really let down by the club,” she explained.

Town issued a statement following the match, stating: “The club is aware of an incident involving a Maidstone United supporter in the Cobbold Stand at Portman Road during today’s Emirates FA Cup fourth-round encounter. “The club is thoroughly investigating the issue.”

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