Stockport fan charged with assault after Kidderminster player attacked

A man has been charged with assault after trouble during an incident which caused a 31-minute delay during Kidderminster's Blue Square Bet Premier 4-0 home victory over Stockport following a pitch invasion and will appear before Kidderminster magistrates on 9 May. The loss signalled Stockport's relegation to the Blue Square Bet North.

Police said the disorder, in which Harriers' defender Lee Vaughan was punched, involved a "small number of away fans" after the hosts' first goal was scored.

West Mercia Police said players from both sides were confronted on the pitch by the Stockport supporters and Vaughan was punched. Police escorted the away fans from the ground after the match and patrols of officers remained across Kidderminster during the evening.

Harriers chairman Mark Serrell attempted to downplay the incident, agreeing with the police that is was a "a very, very small minority" of travelling fans spoiling the occasion. "Our fans acted terrifically and I have to congratulate the vast majority of Stockport County supporters who behaved magnificently in difficult circumstances," Serrell claimed in their defence.

"They treated the day and the occasion with tremendous respect and it is just unfortunate that one or two caused issues and problems.

"Unfortunately, you cannot legislate for the mentality of a very, very small minority."