The Maidstone United supporter who rolled down the roof of the Cobbold Stand executive boxes and onto Town supporters below during the FA Cup third round tie between the sides in January has pleaded not guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and two counts of assault at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court.

John Ryan, 60, of Rochester Street, Chatham, Kent denied all the charges and was released on unconditional bail ahead of a trial by jury. A pre-trial and preparation hearing has been scheduled to take place on October 14th at Ipswich Crown Court.

Footage of the incident, which occurred during the celebrations of the first Stones goal, emerged on social media following the game, which saw the Kent side win 2-1 to become the first sixth-tier club to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup since Blyth Spartans in 1978.

At the time Suffolk Constabulary said no action would be taken with the matter being dealt with by the club and Safety Advisory Group.

However, Ryan was charged at the end of last month when a police statement read: “A 60-year-old man from Chatham in Kent has been summonsed to appear before Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on 16th September where he will be formally charged with three offences as follows: one count of assault causing actual bodily harm; and two counts of assault by beating. These charges relate to two victims.”

As a result of the incident, Town fitted transparent barriers to prevent a recurrence.

Photo: Matchday Images

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