### Newport Erupts Into Football Fan Violence: Elderly Man Viciously Attacked in City Centre Brawl
Newport city centre was thrown into turmoil after a mass brawl erupted between rival football fans, leaving several injured—including an elderly man who was viciously punched to the ground and then kicked in the head. The incident, which took place on 6th January 2024 following an FA Cup third-round tie between Newport County and Eastleigh, has been condemned as “abhorrent”, with the court imposing stern sentences on those involved.
The violence broke out around 6.25pm outside a well-known Wetherspoon pub on Cambrian Road, immediately after the match had ended in a tense 1-1 draw. According to Cardiff Crown Court, more than 50 supporters from rival camps were caught brawling, swinging punches and kicks, stamping, and even hurling objects at each other. Graphic security footage shown in court revealed scenes of chaos, which Judge Recorder Andrew Hammond described as “waves of attacks” far removed from the true values of football.
Particularly shocking was the targeting of an elderly man, walking slowly with the aid of a younger woman, who found himself in the midst of the melee. During the violence, Samuel Grant, a 24-year-old Newport County supporter, delivered a forceful punch to the pensioner’s face, knocking him to the ground. In what the judge later called a “cowardly act”, Grant proceeded to kick the man as he lay defenceless—either to his torso or face.
Prosecutor Anisha Rai outlined how the disorder initially sparked when Wayne Thomas, 17 at the time, left a Newport supporters’ pub and allegedly taunted Eastleigh fans drinking outside Wetherspoon’s. Thomas reportedly threw the first punch, igniting the crowd and setting off a chain reaction. The violence quickly escalated as more Newport fans poured out from pubs to join the fray.
Security cameras captured Grant as an active participant, lashing out at several individuals, including the elderly victim. Meanwhile, another fan, 22-year-old Joseph Friel, was seen landing multiple punches and spitting at a man prone on the ground. Thomas, Grant, and Friel all admitted violent disorder and expressed regret for their actions during their court hearings.
Defence representatives sought to highlight mitigating factors. For Thomas, who had no previous convictions, his lawyer said the long delay before the court hearing had been stressful and he now exercised far greater caution regarding alcohol. Grant’s legal counsel acknowledged a previous conviction for affray but pointed to his recent progress overcoming substance misuse and managing epilepsy. Friel’s advocate cited his client’s mental health difficulties and lack of prior convictions, emphasising the negative psychological impact of the football incident he had experienced at 18.
Nonetheless, Recorder Hammond stressed the gravity of their actions and the need for strong deterrence. Grant was sentenced to 28 months in jail, with the judge noting the “shameful” attack on a vulnerable elderly man. Friel received a 20-month sentence, suspended for two years, conditional on mental health treatment and rehabilitation activities; financial penalties were also imposed. Thomas, considered the instigator, was spared immediate custody but given a suspended sentence, community service, and rehabilitation orders.
All three men received bans from football grounds for five years, underlining a crackdown on hooliganism. In a prior hearing, a 16-year-old who pleaded guilty to violent disorder was referred to the Newport Youth Offender panel.
The court singled out PC Jade Butterworth, the first police officer on the chaotic scene, for her “extraordinary personal courage” in shielding the elderly victim from further harm in the middle of what was described as “a sea of dark-clad thugs.” Her bravery offered a rare glimmer of hope amid the grim events.
A Newport County spokesperson responded firmly, stating, “There is no place for this abhorrent behaviour, and we will continue to work closely with Gwent Police. The club will maintain its zero-tolerance approach and impose bans for anyone guilty of such incidents.” The club reiterated its commitment to ensuring Newport County’s reputation as a family-friendly side remains untarnished.
Such violence serves as a stark reminder of the work still to be done in curbing football-related disorder. Authorities, clubs, and communities must remain vigilant if the true spirit of the sport is to be protected for supporters of all ages.