Jack Grealish punched: Aston Villa midfielder hit by fan on pitch during derby with Birmingham City

Supporter ran onto the pitch and hit the Villa midfielder in the head from behind before being dragged away by security

A man believed to be a Birmingham City supporter ran onto the pitch during the Championship clash with Aston Villa and punched midfielder Jack Grealish in the head.

The supporter was seen live on television running onto the pitch and hitting Grealish from behind, before being dragged away by security.

The incident came in the ninth minute of the local derby at St Andrews, and leaves Birmingham facing a Football Association investigation for failing to control their fans.

West Midlands Police have confirmed that a man was arrested following the incident and has been taken into custody.

A post on the West Midlands Twitter account read: “ARREST: Following the incident on the pitch involving an attack on an Aston Villa player; a man has been arrested and en route to a custody block. Further details to follow.”

Grealish did well to keep his composure and not react to the assault. His teammates Glenn Whelan and Tammy Abraham initially confronted the attacker before thinking better of retaliating, with security eventually apprehending and removing him from the pitch.

Fate would provide a fresh twist in the 67th minute when, of all people, Grealish rifled in a low left-foot shot from the edge of the penalty area to beat goalkeeper Lee Camp and put Villa ahead.

Dean Smith’s side held on for the victory, giving Grealish what he described afterwards as “the best day of my life”.

The 23-year-old celebrated by leaping into the away end to join the Villa supporters, where he lost a boot and received a yellow card for his efforts.

Grealish was assaulted from behind by a Birmingham City fan (Action Images)

A number of Grealish‘ teammates confronted the man afterwards (Action Images)

Grealish kept his composure and did not react to the assault (Action Images)

As the fan who had attacked Grealish left the field, he appeared to gesture in celebration to the Birmingham City fans, blowing kisses to supporters before being passed on to police.

The incident drew a number of shocked and concerned messages from past and present footballers astonished at what they had seen.

Manchester City and England midfielder Raheem Sterling wrote on Twitter: “Idiot of the year…congrats on your lifetime ban.”

West Ham midfielder Declan Rice wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely disgraceful what just happened to Jack Grealish.”

Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam said: “Twice in three days we’ve seen players attacked by supporters, what is going on? Football needs to stamp this out quickly. Only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt.”

Cardiff City’s Harry Arter, on loan from Bournemouth, added: “Would love to see Grealish to score the winner!!”