Injured Town Fan Defends Stadium Staff

The fan hit by an advertising hoarding during the football match between Huddersfield and Northampton has today defended the stewards at the game.

Northampton Town staff were criticised by some Huddersfield Town fans, who said they failed to act quickly enough to stop the sign from crashing into the crowd.

One fan however said that they were aware of the danger and that the stewards were trying their best to get parts of the Town contingent to safety when the drama happened.

Chris Chadwick, 34, from Heckmondwike, got an 8-inch-long cut to his chest when high winds blew the sign down at the Sixfields Stadium on Saturday.

Companion Zoe Davison, 26, was hit on the head and back by the sign.

Chris said: "The stewards did all they possibly could.

"We are talking literally seconds before the sign blew off.

"One told us to get back. Zoe bent down to pick up her handbag and it fell."

Both fans were then struck by the sign, believed to be made of plywood.

"It came straight at me at chest height."

His clothes were torn and ruined.

Northampton Twon staff immediately helped: "Straight away a girl caught hold of Zoe, who was really upset."

The pair were hurried away and treated by St John Ambulance crews (at the scene) and did not need hospital treatment.

"About 25 police were standing there in front of our fans, probably trying to stop them getting on the pitch. There was a bit of confusion.

"It was a freak accident and it just happened to us."

Northampton officials and bosses have offered to reimburse the price of the clothes ruined during the incident aswell as travel expenses and tickets for both him and Zoe.

"It could have been a lot worse," Chris said. "It could have swung right into the crowd."

He added: "We are both fine. We'll both be at the next match."

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