TRIO ATTACKED FOOTBALL FANS

NEWPORT County football fan has been jailed after kicking an elderly man to the face in a fierce brawl involving more than 50 supporters.

- CONOR GOGARTY

Two other Newport fans narrowly avoided prison over their roles in the fighting with Eastleigh supporters on January 6, 2024, following a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup third round, Cardiff Crown Court heard.

The judge, Recorder Andrew Hammond, said the brawlers in Newport city centre were "groups I might loosely describe as supporters of both clubs but whose values have nothing to do with the sportsmanship and respect inherent in football".

CCTV footage showed the fracas broke out at 6.25pm outside the Wetherspoon pub in Cambrian Road.

"Numerous individuals were punching, kicking, stamping, putting each other in headlocks, and throwing objects at each other," said Recorder Hammond.

"Two rival groups broke off and renewed the violence in waves of attacks on each other.

"In one particularly troubling part of the footage, an elderly man walking slowly with the assistance of a younger woman was targeted, and repeatedly punched."

Samuel Grant, 24, aimed a forceful punch at the face of the elderly man, who fell to the ground.

"In a particularly cowardly act you, Grant, then kicked him as he lay on the floor, either to his upper torso or his face," said the judge.

Prosecutor Anisha Rai said the disorder started when then-17-year-old Exiles fan, Wayne Thomas, left the County supporters pub Bar Amber and walked past Wetherspoon's, where he goaded Eastleigh fans who were drinking outside.

Thomas initiated the fight by throwing the first punch.

He fled the scene after the initial scuffle but set off a "chain reaction" of violence, the court heard.

Newport fans ran into Bar Amber to get reinforcements, prompting a flood of supporters to join the melee outside Wetherspoon's.