A football fan accused of assaulting a woman when he fell on top of her during a match will stand trial next year.

John Ryan, who lives in Chatham, appeared in court more than a year on from Maidstone United’s fourth round FA Cup victory over Ipswich Town.

As reported by the BBC, he was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm and two counts of assault by beating in Ipswich Crown Court yesterday (April 8).

He is accused of falling from the upper tier, called the Cobbold Stand, into a section of home supporters at the Portman Road ground in January 2024.

Mr Ryan, who lives in Rochester Street, Chatham, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Suffolk Police initially said the incident would not be treated as a police matter.

He later appeared at Ipswich Magistrates' Court in September, where he denied the charges.

A pre-trial review hearing has been set for September 30, 2026, with the trial due to take place during a two-week warning list commencing October 5 that year.

Mr Ryan was released on unconditional bail.

Maidstone United pulled off one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history by beating Ipswich Town 2-1.

Barriers have since been added to the upper tier of the Cobbold Stand as part of improvements to the Portman Road stadium.