Newport Football Thugs Sentenced After Brutal City Brawl

Three Newport County AFC football hooligans have been sentenced after attacking rival Eastleigh supporters during shocking scenes of post-match violence in Newport city centre. 🚨

Samuel Grant (24), Joseph Friel (22), and Wayne Thomas (18) assaulted fans during a mass brawl involving around 50 men outside the Wetherspoon pub on Cambrian Road following a 1-1 FA Cup tie draw at Rodney Parade.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how the trouble erupted at around 6.30pm on Saturday, January 6, 2024, after the two sets of supporters had been “goading and taunting” each other.

CCTV footage played in court showed the violence lasting over six minutes, with Grant kicking an elderly man in the head and swinging punches before being arrested at the scene. He admitted to officers he had consumed eight pints from around noon that day.

Friel was captured punching someone in the face and spitting at another fan who was on the floor, while Thomas threw the first punch that started the entire incident.

Prosecutor Anisha Rai told the court: “His actions had a chain reaction.” Thomas and others went to Bar Amber to gather reinforcements, bringing Grant and Friel into the fray, before Thomas left and played no further part.

All three pleaded guilty to violent disorder, with Grant having previous convictions for ABH and affray from football-related incidents.

Recorder Andrew Hammond described Grant’s attack as “cowardly”, telling him: “Shamefully, you directed a punch at an obviously vulnerable elderly man and, when he was lying on the ground, you kicked him, either in the torso or the face.”

The judge also praised PC Jade Butterworth’s bravery after she arrived alone at the scene and rushed to protect the pensioner being attacked. “She displayed extraordinary personal courage after she came to understand there was an elderly man who needed protecting,” he said.

Grant was sentenced to 28 months in prison, while Friel received a 20-month suspended sentence with mental health treatment requirements. Thomas was given an 18-month sentence in a young offender institution, also suspended for two years.

All three defendants were handed five-year football banning orders. ⚽