Jack Grealish punched: Aston Villa captain says Birmingham win was ‘best day of my life’
Grealish was punched in the back of the head and scored the winner in an eventful derby
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Your support makes all the difference.Jack Grealish said scoring the winner for Aston Villa against Birmingham City after being punched by a supporter was “the best day of my life”.
The Aston Villa captain was punched by a spectator in the first half of the Second City derby at St Andrew's in an incident that has stunned football, with Birmingham facing a Football Association investigation having failed to control their supporters.
Grealish, however, had the last laugh as he scored the only goal of the game to take Dean Smith’s side four points away from the Champions play-off places.
The Aston Villa supporter and player of 17 years was praised for his response to being struck by a fan from behind, and said scoring the winning goal at St Andrew's was a dream come true.
"It's the best day of my life to come here for the first time, captain Aston Villa and score the winner,” he told Sky Sports.
“It's what dreams are made of, especially being an Aston Villa fan.
"I was just unaware of it (the incident) at the time, I think we had a throw-in in the corner. I was walking into position and I felt a whack around the side of the face.
"Obviously there's rivalry and stuff in football but I don't think there's any place for that really. But I just tried to get on with my job in the end and I think I did, scored the winner and we've come away with three points.
"It was unbelievable (to score the winning goal) in front of our fans. After what happened in the first half I think it was set up for it! Like I said, captaining the club was something I've dreamed of since a little kid."
The English Football League “condemned” the “mindless” action after West Midlands Police confirmed that a man was arrested following the incident and has been taken into custody.
An Aston Villa statement said they hoped the “cowardly” man will be appropriately punished for his “deplorable” actions.
“Aston Villa Football Club is appalled by the disgraceful attack on Jack Grealish during today’s game," read a club statement.
“A red line has been crossed by this cowardly on-field assault on a player, which is unprecedented in English football.
“We trust the perpetrator will feel the full force of the law and the authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding today’s deplorable incident.
“Local rivalries are part of the fabric of the game however, as we are sure our friends at Birmingham City would agree, to have a player’s personal safety placed under such jeopardy is a serious cause for concern for the entire football community.
Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam said: “Twice in three days we’ve seen players attacked by supporters, what is going on? Football needs to stamp this out quickly. Only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt.”
Manchester City and England star Raheem Sterling wrote on Twitter: “Idiot of the year…congrats on your lifetime ban”, while Gary Neville called for Birmingham “points deduction or empty stadium for 10 games”.
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