Birmingham City fan appeal over 'huge Digbeth disorder' before Trevor Francis memorial match

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A Blues fan is being sought by police over a huge disorder that erupted before a memorial match. Birmingham City were involved in a pre-season friendly with Rangers at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park in July to honour football icon Trevor Francis, who played for both teams.

But the occasion was marred after trouble flared in nearby Digbeth. Officers said they had already made seven arrests and posted a picture of another supporter they would like to speak with.

West Midlands Police said it would not tolerate unruly behaviour. The force urged anybody with information to come forward.

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An appeal read: "Do you recognise this man? We would like to speak to him after disorder broke out on High Street in Digbeth.

"It happened prior to a match between Birmingham City FC and Rangers FC shortly before 7pm on July 24. We believe the man we would like to identify and speak to is a Birmingham City supporter.

"We have already made seven arrests as part of our enquiries into the disorder. Three people have been charged with public order offences and we are looking to make more arrests. This kind of behaviour won’t be tolerated."

On July 24, we reported the match had seen kick-off delayed by 15 minutes to allow more than 17,000 supporters inside the stadium. The two teams participated in a moment of silence for Francis, who passed away in 2023.

Francis played for both Blues and Rangers across his impressive football career. He became Britain's first £1 million player in 1979 following his transfer from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest.

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