## Elderly Man Kicked in Head During Violent Football Brawl in Newport
In a shocking incident recorded on CCTV in Newport city centre, an elderly man was kicked in the head amidst a massive brawl involving over 50 football hooligans. The outbreak of violence, described by a judge as taking place in a “sea of thugs”, led to the imprisonment of one fan while two others narrowly avoided jail. The ugly scenes, which included punches, kicks, and spitting, have again raised concerns about the persistence of hooliganism surrounding football matches.
The unrest erupted on the evening of 6 January 2024, following a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup third round between Newport County and Eastleigh. According to evidence presented at Cardiff Crown Court, the disturbance began at 6.25pm outside the Wetherspoon pub on Cambrian Road. The judge, Recorder Andrew Hammond, described how rival groups, nominally supporters of each club, engaged in sustained violence far removed from the spirit of the game. He condemned their actions, noting, “Numerous individuals were punching, kicking, stamping, putting each other in headlocks, and throwing objects at each other.”
CCTV footage captured some of the most alarming moments, including an attack on an elderly man who was walking with the aid of a younger woman. Prosecutors detailed how Samuel Grant, 24, delivered a forceful punch to the victim’s face, causing him to fall to the ground. Grant then compounded his brutal attack by kicking the man as he lay defenceless. The judge branded this “a particularly cowardly act”.
The violence was reportedly instigated by then-17-year-old Wayne Thomas, a Newport County fan. After leaving the County supporters’ pub, Bar Amber, Thomas approached the rival fans gathered outside Wetherspoon’s and began goading them. He threw the first punch, sparking a chaotic chain reaction involving dozens more individuals. Supporters from both sides poured onto the street, pulling others into the melee.
Among the offenders was Joseph Friel, 22, who emerged from Bar Amber and was seen striking two other Eastleigh fans. Instead of fleeing when police arrived, Friel lingered long enough to spit on a man lying on the ground. All three men – Grant, Friel, and Thomas – ultimately pleaded guilty to violent disorder. A 16-year-old boy, who also admitted his involvement, was dealt with in an earlier hearing.
In mitigation, Thomas’ barrister told the court that Thomas, now 18, had been under stress due to the case’s delay and was previously of good character. He expressed remorse for his involvement, claiming that alcohol had clouded his judgement. Similarly, Grant, already with a previous conviction for football-related violence, was described as having made recent strides in turning his life around and managing personal substance issues. Friel, who has no prior convictions, was reported to be struggling with mental health issues, including a psychiatric assessment suggesting he may have autism or bipolar disorder.
Sentencing reflected the varying degrees of involvement and personal circumstances. Recorder Hammond jailed Grant for 28 months, condemning his “shameful” behaviour in attacking a vulnerable elderly man. Friel received a 20-month term, suspended for two years, with requirements to undertake mental health treatment and rehabilitation. Thomas received an 18-month sentence in a young offender institution, suspended for two years, along with unpaid work and rehabilitation orders. All three were handed five-year football banning orders.
Magistrates praised PC Jade Butterworth, the responding officer, for her bravery in intervening to protect the elderly victim during the height of the violence. Her actions were described as displaying “extraordinary personal courage”.
Newport County responded by reaffirming a commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards anti-social behaviour and violence. A club spokesperson stated: “There is no place for this abhorrent behaviour and we will continue to work closely with Gwent Police to help identify any incidents of this nature. Newport County has worked tirelessly to create a reputation as a family-friendly football club and it is an image we will do everything in our powers to maintain.”
This incident serves as a disturbing reminder of the cost of football-related violence, affecting not just rival fans but innocent bystanders. The swift action from both club and police demonstrates a joint resolve to stamp out hooliganism and restore the inclusive values the sport should represent.