A man has been found not guilty of assault after falling from the upper tier of a grandstand during a football match, injuring fans below. The incident occurred at Ipswich Town's Portman Road during an FA Cup clash in January 2024 involving Maidstone United.

John Ryan, a 62-year-old Maidstone United supporter from Chatham, Kent, faced charges of assault by beating and actual bodily harm. He explained to Ipswich Crown Court that he had been unable to stop himself during goal celebrations when he fell onto Joanne Peters and her partner Aaron Rose.

Ryan became emotional as the jury delivered their verdicts of not guilty on both counts. He expressed that the match was "the biggest match in the club's history" and celebrated a "special" goal before the accident.

The court heard that Ryan fell from the Cobbold Stand's upper tier, sliding down the sloping roof before landing on Ipswich supporters below. During the trial, he stated he was unsure if he had been pushed or if his foot had slipped before the fall.

Prosecutor Simon Gladwell noted that Ryan had consumed five cans of lager prior to the match. Joanne Peters testified about suffering from "elements of whiplash" along with numbness in her hands and internal bruising. Aaron Rose recounted being kicked in the head, suggesting Ryan appeared intoxicated, stating, "it wouldn't take a scientist to work it out."

This case highlights the complexities of fan behavior and safety in sports venues.