Maidstone fan not responsible of assault after fall from Ipswich stand

A person who fell from the higher tier of a stand throughout a soccer match and injured followers under has been discovered not responsible of assault.

Maidstone United supporter John Ryan fell on to Joanne Peters and her companion Aaron Rose at Ipswich Town’s Portman Road floor throughout an FA Cup conflict in January 2024.

Ryan, 62, of Railway Street, Chatham, Kent, denied one rely of assault by beating and one rely of precise bodily hurt and advised Ipswich Crown Court he had been unable to cease himself throughout purpose celebrations.

Ryan may very well be seen crying within the dock because the jury returned verdicts of not responsible to each prices and stated afterwards “it has been very nerve-racking”.

Peters had been in tears when she advised the courtroom she initially thought the supporters’ field behind her had collapsed and she thought she “could have died”.

Ryan had been certainly one of 1000’s of Maidstone United supporters who noticed their non-league side win 2-1 over Ipswich, who had been heading to promotion from the Championship that season.

He advised the courtroom the sport had been “the most important match within the membership’s historical past” and he had been celebrating a “particular” purpose.

The jury was advised he had been in Cobbold Stand higher tier when he fell, slid down the sloping roof that covers the bins, and landed on the Ipswich supporters under.

Ryan advised the jury he had been not sure if he had been pushed or his foot had slipped when he fell.