A former Maidstone United supporter who fell from the upper tier of Ipswich Town’s Portman Road stand during an FA Cup match, injuring two fans below, has been acquitted of assault charges.
John Ryan, a Maidstone United supporter, landed on Joanne Peters and her partner Aaron Rose in the stands at Ipswich Town’s Portman Road during an FA Cup match in January 2024.
The 62‑year‑old Ryan, from Railway Street in Chatham, Kent, denied one charge of assault by beating and a second charge of actual bodily harm. He told Ipswich Crown Court that he had been unable to control his actions during goal‑celebration exuberance.
Ryan was seen crying in the dock as the jury returned not‑guilty verdicts on both counts. After the trial he described the experience as “very stressful”.
Joanne Peters testified through tears that she initially believed the supporters’ box behind her had collapsed, fearing she “could have died”.
Ryan was among thousands of Maidstone United fans who witnessed their non‑league side secure a 2‑1 victory over Ipswich Town, a match that came as Ipswich were battling for promotion from the Championship that season.
He told the court the match was “the biggest game in the club’s history” and that he was celebrating a particularly “special” goal.
Evidence presented to the jury indicated that Ryan had been standing in the upper tier of the Cobbold Stand when he slipped, slid down the sloping roof covering the hospitality boxes, and landed on the supporters below.
Ryan testified that he was uncertain whether he had been pushed or if his foot had slipped, causing the fall.
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