Alleged abuse on the terraces resulted in a Walton and Hersham Football Club (WHFC) fan being head-butted and knocked unconscious, a court has heard.

Neil Harding allegedly called a Brentwood Town player a cheat, along with other expletives, during a match on September 29, 2012, North Surrey Magistrates’ Court heard on Monday.

The player’s father William Rees, 46, from Chigwell, Essex, heard the comment and head-butted Mr Harding, prosecutor Richard Reid said.

Mr Reid said co-defendant Garry Gordon, 48, from Hainault, Essex, held Mr Rees back before Mr Harding left the ground on the advice of other fans, but then followed him and punched him in the back of his head, knocking him to the floor unconscious.

Mr Gordon told police on the day he was acting in self defence, had pulled Mr Rees away from Mr Harding and only hit him when he “went into his pocket”.

Mr Harding suffered grazing to his face and was taken to hospital as a result of his injuries.

Witness John Crawford, a Walton and Hersham supporter and club official, said: “It was near the end of the match, five or 10 minutes before the end. Neil was standing next to me on the bank and there was a tackle and Neil shouted some abuse at him.

“One of the gentlemen started shouting abuse at Neil saying it was his son and he got very agitated. He was shouting at Neil saying that is my son you are talking about. He came up and questioned Neil and continued to shout abuse at him and then head-butted him.

“It was one comment that was it. It was only when he got really close to Neil people tried to hold him back.”

Mr Crawford said he remembered Mr Gordon saying “you’re lucky I saved you because if he kicks off, you’ve had it” and he told Mr Harding to leave the ground to prevent any further confrontation.

He said: “As he walked out the stadium, the big black lad [Mr Gordon] ran after him and punched him.

“He was unconscious I think before he hit the ground. The big black lad tried to pick him up but I said ‘leave him, he is unconscious’ because I could see his eyes rolling.”

Gary Owen, who was also at the football match, said Mr Harding was told to leave the ground by other fans.

Mr Owen said: “Shortly after I heard two thuds which is the only way to describe it and someone shouted “oi” which prompted me to follow the path that Neil had taken.

“As I turned round at the bottom of the bank, I could see Neil motionless on the ground with two people around him and someone was shouting for first aid.”

Another witness, Darren Fox, said he “thought the worst” when he saw Mr Harding lying on the floor and out for “quite a long time”.

During cross examination, Alan Birbeck, defending Mr Rees, said Mr Harding’s comment was very graphic and claimed other abusive comments, including racist remarks, had also been shouted.

Mr Crawford said: “That was the only comment I can remember as the tackle he did was so bad it could have broken his leg. I think that is why Neil got so frustrated.”

Rebecca Channon, defending Mr Gordon, said the disappointment of WHFC losing led to racist abuse, which Mr Crawford dismissed as “total fabrication”.

Mr Owen said he did not recall any racial abuse during the course of the match or pushing and shoving between the alleged victim and the defendants, which the defence alleged.

Police were called and PC James Trotter spoke to Mr Gordon, who said he “stopped Billy [Mr Rees] who was assaulting the guy on the floor. Billy hit him, he went for his pocket so I hit him”.

Both defendants were arrested at the scene and were taken to Staines police station, where Mr Rees provided a no comment interview and Mr Gordon said he acted in self defence.

Mr Gordon and Mr Rees both deny common assault against Mr Harding.

The trial continues at North Surrey Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, October 10, when the defence will put their evidence forward.

 

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