Delia Smith, co-owner of Norwich City, has expressed her disappointment at Ipswich Town for not apologising after her car was hit by a can of lager and chanted at by supporters as she arrived for a derby match on December 16th. The 82-year-old celebrity chef thanked the opposition fans for their support, but appeared to criticise the club for failing to speak out. Ipswich Town has declined to comment on the matter.
The incident happened when Smith’s car approached the ground and was flanked by police and security, followed by a coach carrying Ipswich’s playing and coaching staff. Other missiles were thought to have been flung at the vehicle, too. Police made two unconnected arrests during the Championship league game, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Smith and her husband, Michael Wynn Jones, have released a statement which expressed their gratitude towards Ipswich Town supporters who offered their apologies and continued support. The couple has been Norwich City’s joint majority shareholders for 28 years. A third shareholder, Mark Attanasio, who owns the Milwaukee Brewers, joined the club’s board in September 2021.
While the couple appreciates the good relationship they have had with Ipswich Town over the years, they said it was “sad” that they had yet to receive a public apology from the club. The incident shows that football rivalries can turn violent and fans’ behaviour towards visiting supporters, especially high-profile individuals, can be dangerous. Football governance bodies and clubs must take concrete measures to ensure safety both inside and outside the stadium
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