Football news - Pitch invader who attacked Aston Villa's Jack Grealish pleads guilty to assualt

Paul Mitchell, 27, of Rubery was arrested and charged after running on to the St Andrew’s pitch during Villa’s 1-0 victory, and hitting Grealish – who went on to score the only goal of the game - around the back of the head and neck.

Mitchell, who was eventually taken from the pitch by stewards after he was hauled to the ground by players from both sides, pleaded guilty on both counts and his solicitor told Birmingham Magistrates' Court: "He cannot explain what came over him yesterday morning. His initial foolish intention was to just go onto the pitch and whip up the crowd."

Birmingham have said he will be banned from St Andrew's for life and added: "What happened has no place in football or society. Jack is a Birmingham lad and regardless of club allegiance should not have been subjected to this - there are no excuses."