In a recent football match between Norwich City and Coventry, a young girl was injured after being struck by a £1 coin. The incident occurred in the final moments of the game when Coventry fans celebrated an 88th-minute equalizer due to a calamitous own goal by Norwich player Ben Gibson. The girl’s father shared a photo of her injury on social media and expressed his dismay, hoping that the culprit would be identified and punished.
Tempers flared after the incident, leading to the ejection of a Norwich fan who was suspected of throwing the coin. Additionally, two alleged assaults took place, and four individuals, including a 14-year-old boy, were arrested on a bus after the game. Alan Gee, a supporter who had his shirt torn while trying to intervene in a scuffle, condemned the behavior, stating that the girl has been scarred for life. Robin Sainty, chairman of the Canaries Trust, echoed this sentiment, calling the act completely unacceptable and emphasizing the potential danger of the situation.
This incident follows a similar case earlier in the year where a Millwall fan received a five-year ban after admitting to throwing a coin that struck a seven-year-old girl at Carrow Road. Mr. Gee believes that the responsible party needs to be made an example of, emphasizing the need for harsh penalties for violence in the stands. Mr. Sainty hopes that Norwich City will take action once the culprit is identified and condemns such malicious behavior.
Norwich City has declined to comment on the incident, but a Coventry City spokesman has stated that they condemn any actions that cause harm to others. The four individuals who were arrested, all believed to be Norwich City fans, have been released on bail as investigations continue. It is hoped that steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure the safety of spectators at football matches.
