DERBY ROAD DEATH “NOT VILLA V BLUES”

21-04-2008

Claims that the death of a football fan in a collision outside Villa Park yesterday may have been motivated by fan rivalry have been scotched by West Midlands Police.

Although the incident happened in the aftermath of the Villa v Blues derby it’s emerged that both the 26-year old victim and a 20-year old man being interviewed by police on suspicion of murder support the same side.

Reports in newspapers and on some websites suggested tensions between opposing supporters may have been a factor – especially as it happened close to the ground in Aston Hall Park, around an hour after the final whistle.

The police appear to have put the kibosh on that in their latest statement.

It says: “Following some reports in the media, we would like to clarify that the 26-year-old man who died following the Villa match yesterday was a Villa fan. His identity is not being released at this stage.

"The 20-year-old male driver of the vehicle allegedly involved in the collision is currently in custody. We can confirm that he is also a Villa fan.

"The motive for the incident is unclear at this stage and we are continuing to investigate."