Photo via BBC Sport

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

An Ipswich Town supporter suffered a harrowing incident during a match at Portman Road when a Maidstone United fan fell from the upper tier of the stand, landing directly on her. Joanne Peters, who has scoliosis, described the moment as terrifying, fearing the impact could have been fatal as the 62-year-old man, John Ryan, slid down a sloping roof and struck her shoulder.

The incident occurred during an FA Cup match in January 2024, where Maidstone United secured a 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town, marking a historic win for the non-league club. Ryan, who was celebrating a goal at the time, claimed he lost his footing while jumping, though prosecutors argued his actions were deliberate.

The trial is ongoing, with Ryan facing charges of assault and actual bodily harm after the incident left Peters with severe injuries and lasting trauma.

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