BRUMMIE WITCH HUNT

Last updated : 19 September 2002 By Editor

Eager to calm the growing storm, which could threaten a ground closure or heavy fine Birmingham’s senior executives are threatening to ban for life those who went on the pitch.

Birmingham managing director Karren Brady promised to ban for life the fan who was seen gesticulating in Enckelman's face and she has appealed for other supporters to come forward and identify the perpetrator.

"We've worked together with the police and we have put his picture in newspaper today," she told Radio Five Live. We are asking readers and supporters who have seen it to name and shame him so that the police can take the most aggressive action they can against him and the club can then ban that supporter for life."

Birmingham Chairman, David Gold, offers up a sacrifice to stave off disciplinary action.

"We must make little exceptions to the rules," he told BBC Radio Five Live. "This is Birmingham City in the Premier League for the first time in 16 years."

"We have to be careful we don't overreact," he added on Sky Sports News. "I am really sorry that we are focussing on that one stupid young man who came onto the pitch and disgraced himself and disgraced Birmingham and spoilt it for 30,000 perfectly-behaved fans. We will track him down and he will be banned for life."