A jury at Ipswich Crown Court has retired to consider its verdict in the trial of a Maidstone United supporter accused of injuring a woman after he fell from an upper tier stand during an FA Cup match at Portman Road in January 2024.
John Ryan, 62, of Rochester Street, Chatham, Kent, denies one count of assault by beating and one count of causing actual bodily harm. He had originally faced two counts of assault by beating, but one of those charges has since been withdrawn.
The incident occurred during Maidstone United's 2-1 FA Cup victory over Ipswich Town, a result the non-league side's supporters celebrated wildly given its significance for the club. Ryan was among thousands of travelling fans packed into the Cobbold Stand's upper tier when the away side scored.
According to evidence heard in court, Ryan lost his footing amid the celebrations, slid down a sloping section of roof, and fell onto spectators seated in the lower tier, landing on Ipswich supporter Joanne Peters.
Peters, who has scoliosis, gave emotional testimony describing the moment of impact. She told the court she initially believed a structure behind her had given way. "I thought the box behind us had collapsed into us," she said, fighting back tears. "It was terrifying... just a really, really scary situation." She added that the force of Ryan landing on her shoulder could have had far more serious consequences, saying, "He landed on my shoulder. The pressure of that fall — he could have broken my neck."
Ryan, giving his own account, insisted the fall was accidental and a result of the crowd's reaction to the goal rather than any deliberate action on his part. "Everyone's jumping about and you just go where you go," he said, describing the scenes as the goal went in. He said he was uncertain exactly what caused him to lose balance, telling the court: "I don't know if I bumped somebody or my foot slipped or what; I just ended up going down the stairs. I couldn't stop myself, my leg hit that wall... I just started tilting over. As I put my arm out I just started rolling over. There's nothing to hold on to."
Prosecutors challenged Ryan's account, suggesting his movement toward the roof area during the celebration was intentional rather than accidental. Ryan rejected this characterization firmly, responding: "No. It wasn't like that. All I know is that I ended up going down the steps and I couldn't stop myself. The momentum took me into a roll."
The court also heard that two other supporters climbed onto the roof structure at the same moment as Ryan during the celebrations, but were prevented from going any further by those around them. Ryan himself sustained injuries to his arm and leg in the fall, which the court was told caused him to miss time at work.
The case has drawn attention to safety concerns at football grounds during moments of heightened crowd excitement, particularly in away sections packed with celebrating supporters following a significant result. Maidstone United's win over Ipswich Town was widely regarded as one of the most notable results in the non-league club's history, adding context to the intensity of celebrations that preceded the incident.
The jury has now retired to weigh the evidence and reach verdicts on both remaining charges against Ryan. The trial continues, with a decision expected in the coming days.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.