Aston Villa star Jack Grealish ATTACKED by fan in Birmingham City drama - SICKENING PICS

JACK GREALISH appeared to be assaulted by a fan who ran onto the pitch during the Second City derby between Aston Villa and Birmingham.

Posted Monday, March 11, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk

Grealish was struck by the spectactor as the ball went out of play after he ran onto the pitch evading security.

The fan was quickly apprehended by one steward and Grealish's team-mates.

Aston Villa were playing their local rivals at St Andrew's where the incident occurred.

Fans all over the internet have widely condemned the incident, and Gary Neville has been quick to reveal what should happen to the Blues.

He said on Twitter: "The club are going have to take a huge punishment for this to act as a deterrent in the future.

"A points deduction or Empty stadium for 10 games!"

Ex-Birmingham star Darren Carter condemned the action, describing the action as "diabolical".

Aston Villa star Jack Grealish appeared to be punched by a fan in the Birmingham City derby

He said: "It is a rivalry and you get passionate but you should never come on to the pitch. That is diabolical behaviour."

The fan was escorted off the pitch while he saluted the crowd and he has since been arrested by West Midlands Police.

The force wrote on Twitter: "ARREST: Following the incident on the pitch involving an attack on an Aston Villa player; a man has been arrested and en route to a custody block. Further details to follow."

Aston Villa have released a statement on the matter following the conclusion of the match, which saw Grealish score the winner.

Jack Grealish was sent to the floor by the punch

It read: "Aston Villa Football Club is appalled by the disgraceful attack on Jack Grealish during today's game.

"A red line has been crossed by this cowardly on-field assault on a player, which is unprecedented in English football.

"We trust the perpetrator will feel the full force of the law and the authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding today's deplorable incident.

"Local rivalries are part of the fabric of the game however, as we are sure our friends at Birmingham City would agree, to have a player's personal safety placed under such jeopardy is a serious cause for concern for the entire football community."