Aston Villa boss Dean Smith hails Jack Grealish after derby day attack

Villa’s boss also took aim at Blues’s security measures after Grealish was knocked to the ground having been struck by a supporter in the ninth minute at St Andrew’s.

The 23-year-old later netted the only goal of the game in the 67th minute as Villa jumped to ninth in the Championship.

Smith said: “It should never happen at a football game, whether it be local derby or not.

“Security should be better, it’s why we kick off at 12pm on a Sunday to keep them out of the pub.

“Unfortunately some mindless moron has gone on the pitch and attacked Jack and then you’ve got 15,000 idiots clapping him as well, which doesn’t help the matter.”

He continued: “Jack is a mature lad, he’s matured an awful lot, and he’s a breath of fresh air, a great character, and I thought the way he handled the whole thing was excellent.

“There is only one way to answer that and pop up with the winner, which he did.”

Both clubs condemned the incident in statements published after the game, with Villa claiming a “red line” had been crossed by the “cowardly on-field assault.”

Blues formally apologised to both Grealish and Villa, while promising to ban the perpetrator from St Andrew’s for life.

They have promised a review of their safety procedures but are likely to face an investigation from the police, EFL and FA.

Villa were also unhappy with the treatment Grealish received during the celebrations after his goal, when he appeared to be manhandled aggressively by a steward, who was then led away by police.

Blues boss Garry Monk also condemned the ninth-minute attack.

“I didn’t see it happen and I haven’t seen it back but I have been told and No. 1 is to make sure Jack is alright, I am told he is fine. That’s the most important bit,” he said.

“I think I speak on behalf of everyone at Birmingham, not just Birmingham but pretty much everyone in football, that cannot happen on a football pitch.

“An idiotic act like that - the guy that has done it needs to be punished severely and given the ultimate punishment he can possibly get - because that cannot happen on a football pitch.

“Everyone would feel the same.

“The only other thing I would add to that is I have been here a year now and that one idiotic act does not represent what these fans are.

“I have say that and I am sure they would agree, in fact I know they would agree, they will all feel the same in condemning that type of act on a football pitch.”