Young Norwich fan hit by coin

A young Norwich City fan was hit by a coin as she waited with her father to get a train home after The Canaries' 1-1 draw with Millwall.

Gemma Allman, 11, and father Tim Allman, 46, were waiting at South Bermondsey train station in London after last Tuesday's match when Gemma was hit.

Earlier this year some Norwich fans were attacked in a pub near the Millwall ground.

Supporters' groups today condemned the action but admitted there was not much could be done to address such problems.

Father and daughter are both season ticket holders in the River End Upper at Carrow Road and regular away travellers.

Mr Allman, who lives in Kenton, north-west London, and is home travel officer for Capital Canaries supporters' club, said: 'We were held by the police as the platforms were getting crowded and waited near the entrance to the station. The next thing I heard was a squeal and Gemma was holding her head.

'A few seconds later she was sobbing and after a pal confirmed that he felt a small object flick past his shoulder. It was obvious that the missile was a coin and which set of fans it has come from.

'Gemma appeared more shocked than hurt and confused as to why anyone in their right mind would throw a coin into a crowd of people waiting for a train.

'I was concerned as to her welfare but my concern soon turned to anger as to what the worst consequence of this action might have been.

'And as the reasons why the coin was thrown by this lowlife? Who knows what went through the tiny mind of this individual?

'I travel away with only one expectation, for us to come back safely. Is that not too much to ask for in this day and age?'

Mr Allman said this was Gemma's second visit to Millwall's ground, the New Den, after visiting last year, when she had been appalled at the behaviour of some of the Millwall fans during the game.

As reported, in February two Norwich City fans needed hospital treatment after being caught up in an attack by Millwall football hooligans following an away game.

A group of supporters were drinking at the Globe Tavern near Borough Market in London following the 2-1 defeat to Millwall on February 6 when the pub was attacked by a large group.

Kathy Blake, secretary of the Norwich City Independent Supporters' Association, said: 'Millwall do have a bad reputation but most of the people I know who went to the match on November 9 were pleasantly surprised by the Millwall fans' behaviour. But, obviously, something like this cannot be condoned. But I cannot see it being stamped out until such actions are stamped out throughout society as a whole.'

Have you been caught up in football-related violence? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.