The Leeds fan who was seriously hurt after falling from the top tier at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge is a hooligan who was previously jailed for punching goalie Chris Kirkland. Aaron Cawley, 33, was rushed to hospital after he fell over a barrier and landed on empty seats during Leeds' match against Chelsea.
He had spent four months in jail and was banned from football for six years after he punched Kirkland in the face during a game against Sheffield Wednesday in 2012. After the incident at Stamford Bridge, which happened while fans were celebrating Mateo Joseph's first goal in a 3-2 defeat, Cawley was taken to a West London hospital.
No updates have been given about his condition. A video showed him falling from the upper section of the Shed end at Stamford Bridge and landing heavily on his back on top of rail seating that was empty to separate Leeds and Chelsea fans.
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Leeds United said in a statement: "Leeds United can confirm an incident involving a Leeds United supporter occurred in the Shed End of Stamford Bridge during the first-half of tonight's FA Cup game. The incident is being investigated and is in the hands of the emergency services. We will be making no further comment at this time."
Leeds manager Daniel Farke also weighed in, reminding everyone: "Football is unbelievably serious but health is more important than football results," and added his thoughts were with the affected person. "We send our best wishes and prayers and our fingers are crossed that it is not too serious."
A representative for the Metropolitan Police explained: "Officers, alongside paramedics and staff from Chelsea FC, responded to an injured man in the away end during the match with Leeds United on Wednesday, 28 February. The man was taken to hospital for treatment. We await an update on his condition. His family has been informed."
Leeds expressed that Cawley remains banned from attending matches at Elland Road - however he's been spotted at numerous away games over the recent years.
During Cawley's trial at the Sheffield magistrates court, shocking details emerged when it was revealed Cawley had confessed to South Yorkshire Police via email: "It was a disgrace and I'm embarrassed by my actions... [and] brought shame on Leeds United Football Club."
The trial also highlighted Cawley's alcohol consumption on the day - who resided in Cheltenham during the time period - having drunk several cans of Stella Artois lager followed by three-quarters of a litre of vodka on the morning of the game before arriving at Sheffield by train. Upon arrival in Sheffield, he consumed an additional seven to 10 pints of cider.
