Ismail Musa, a 33-year-old man from Telford, has been sentenced after assaulting and spitting on stewards during a Birmingham City Women’s football match. The incident occurred on April 6 at St Andrew’s stadium during the Women’s FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City.
Musa became verbally abusive towards security staff as they attempted to escort him from the ground, claiming he was “picked on for being black.” Prosecutor Shajah Javed explained the situation at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, stating that the altercation lasted between 10 and 15 minutes before Musa’s behaviour escalated into physical violence.
Four stewards—two men and two women—were assaulted as Musa spat on multiple staff members. He also ripped a radio away from one of the stewards and threw it into the car park, damaging the roof of a nearby grey Ford Puma.
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At a previous hearing in May, Musa pleaded guilty to four counts of assault by beating. However, during his sentencing hearing, he expressed disappointment and alleged he was being “made an example” of, claiming security staff had assaulted him and that the situation “got out of hand.” Musa denied being a Birmingham City fan but criticized the club’s security measures, stating he had offered to leave peacefully but was forcibly removed.
Magistrate Michael Ward reminded Musa that pleading guilty was a step toward resolving the matter, regardless of any disagreement about the facts. Musa has received a lifetime ban from the club and was handed a three-year football banning order, prohibiting his attendance at any UK football matches during that time.
In addition to the ban, Musa must complete an 18-month community order, including participation in a rehabilitation programme. He was ordered to pay £70 in compensation to each of the four victims, totaling £280. Musa avoided court costs but was warned that violating the football banning order could result in imprisonment.
As he left the courtroom, Musa briefly shouted, “Have a good one mate,” marking the conclusion of the case.