Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has hit out at the ‘moron’ who attacked midfielder Jack Grealish during Sunday’s Second City derby at Birmingham.
The 23-year-old was punched by a spectator who entered the field after just 10 minutes of Villa’s 1-0 win, with Grealish later scoring the winner to seal the points for Smith’s side.
Smith condemned the attacker, who has since been arrested and charged, labelling the incident as ‘ridiculous’.
“Jack got whacked after a few minutes after they said they weren’t targeting him. It was a borderline red card,” Smith said in his post-match press conference.
“Then you’ve got the moron that attacks him. The security has to be better. You’ve also got the morons who were clapping him.
“It’s ridiculous. It’s a game of football. I’m all for local rivalry but that was too far.
“Jack then pops up with his left foot with the winner into the bottom corner.”
Smith was full of praise for Grealish for his reaction following the incident, with the midfielder’s winner moving Villa to within four points of the play-off places.
“He’s maturing all the time and is a breath of fresh air every time he walks in the room,” he added.
“The lads like him, the staff like him and the fans love him.
“He’s good to have around and he can shrug things like that off. He’s got the character.
“He gets on with things and I’m proud of him today – I really am.”