Dad furious as young girl at Coventry City match struck on head by coin
Source: Coventrytelegraph

A young Coventry city football fan who was struck in the forehead during a city match could be "scarred for life'. It comes after she was hit by a PS1 coin during the final minutes of the game.

The 11-year-old girl attended Saturday's Championship 1-1 draw with Norwich City at the Coventry Building Society Arena Stadium on Saturday (October 7) with her parents when the coin hit above her right eye. It left her needing hospital treatment.

Martin, the young girl's 52-year-old father from Leamington Spa, suggested from the coin's trajectory that it was thrown from the away end of the stadium by a supporter. Speaking to the BBC, he said: "My daughter remained sat down as we celebrated.

"My wife pulled my arm, I turned around and blood was running down my daughter's face. In this day and age I'm surprised something like this would happen. I'm sickened."

West Midlands Police said it was investigating the incident but no arrests have been made. However, four people including a 14-year-old teenage boy were arrested following a disorder on the day which included a racially aggravated offence and affray.

It is said the coin was allegedly thrown when city fans celebrated Norwich scoring an own goal in the 88th minute. Martin spoke to a police officer about the incident before leaving the CBS Arena so his daughter could be seen by medics.

A spokesperson for Coventry City FC said: "We condemn the actions of any supporter whose actions bring harm to others. While the Family Zone, which is now sold-out, is our recommended areas for families, there are no restrictions placed on fans who choose to sit in other available areas of the arena and should be able to do so safely.

"Block 4 and 5 were opened on Saturday morning for supporters to purchase in, due to there being very limited availability in other general admission areas for the game."

Football unit supervisor for West Midlands, Sgt Lizzie Lewandowski, said they are in the early stages of the investigations and 'would urge anyone' who may have witnessed the incident to get in touch. Norwich City Football Club have been approached for comment.