Brighton fan hit in head with coins thrown by Nottingham Forest fan

Lifelong Nottingham Forest fan Stephen Shaw threw coins at the Albion home end moments after Brighton’s 1-0 win at the Amex last season.

Forest season ticket holder Shaw, 62, was said to have “ended up getting particularly drunk and doing something particularly stupid”, injuring the woman when he struck her in the head.

A hearing at Brighton Magistrates Court heard that Shaw, from Bilborough in Nottinghamshire, travelled down to the Premier League game by coach on March 10 and had “drunk a lot of alcohol on the way down”.

Shortly after the final whistle, Shaw threw coins towards the Brighton end, causing two abrasions to a woman’s head.

Brighton's Amex Stadium

Ed Fish, defending Shaw, told the court that the lifelong Nottingham Forest fan had been going to games since 1972 and followed the club home and away with his son.

Shaw, a Navy veteran and former construction worker, gave a no-comment interview to police but pleaded guilty to throwing missiles and assault by beating at the first opportunity.

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Mr Fish described Shaw as a caring family man and told the court he regretted his actions and had driven from Nottinghamshire to Brighton to be at the hearing in person as it was “more respectful” despite having been offered a video link.

He added: “He [Shaw] is mortified at the fact of what he did. He has been a massive football fan. It is something that is now taken away from him.”

Shaw was given a Football Banning Order for three years, meaning he cannot attend games or be in certain parts of Nottingham when matches are on.

He was also handed a conditional discharge, meaning he will not be punished for throwing missiles unless he re-offends in the next year, and ordered to pay £211.

Sussex Police dedicated football officer PC Darren Balkham said: “Shaw’s behaviour was totally unacceptable, he not only threw coins towards supporters but also caused injury to another fan inside the stadium.

"Officers were able to track the man outside and detain him due to the excellent CCTV system and work done by Brighton and Hove Albion staff at the time.

“The evidence against him was so clear that he had no choice but to plead guilty.

“Our priority is for all fans attending the stadium to be able to enjoy the game safely, and we will take action against the minority who put the safety and enjoyment of the game for other people at risk.”