IPSWICH: Little Harrison Stalford had been eagerly anticipating cheering on Ipswich Town at Carrow Road – but his excitement turned to fear as the atmosphere soured among Blues fans.
The nine-year-old and dad Lee travelled to Norwich on Sunday to watch Town’s 4-1 defeat.
With 75 minutes played and Town 2-1 down, Mr Stalford said the mood in the away stand took a turn for the worse.
“All of a sudden it all just got out of control,” he said. “The people at the back of the stand were pulling chairs out and throwing them to the front.
“Harrison started crying because he didn’t know what was going on. He was shaking and very scared by it all.
“We were all trying to leave but we weren’t allowed out.”
Mr Stalford, a father-of-four, said he even witnessed a seat being thrown in the direction of an elderly man.
He said: “I was disappointed at the fans and the way that they were being managed. It completely spoilt the day for us, forget the score – we should have lost graciously but some of the fans didn’t.”
Police made four arrests for public order offences at the derby but force chiefs praised the general behaviour of Ipswich fans.
n Did you witness any trouble between fans at Carrow Road? Call 01473 324788 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here