Football's reputation was in the gutter on Sunday night after a thuggish Birmingham City fan ran on to the pitch and threw a cowardly punch at Jack Grealish during the Second City derby.
Grealish was sent sprawling as the fan, named locally as Paul Mitchell, 27, assaulted the Aston Villa captain, catching him on the side of the head.
Players from both sides sprang to Grealish's aid before the fan was dragged off the field by stewards.
A Birmingham City supporter stormed the pitch in the derby and headed to Jack Grealish
Catching the player unaware, Grealish was hit from behind by the fan early in the match
The thug sought out the Villa playmaker, and managed to evade the pitch-side stewards
Sickeningly, a vocal number of Birmingham supporters cheered the attacker, who blew kisses to the St Andrew's crowd as he was led away.
The fan was arrested by West Midlands Police and taken into custody. Birmingham, who have pledged to ban the fan for life, will work with police over any criminal charges.
West Midlands police said late on Sunday that the fan had been charged.
They said: 'We've charged a man with invading the pitch and assaulting Aston Villa player Jack Grealish during the Second City derby.
'Paul Mitchell, aged 27, of Rubery, has been remanded in custody to appear before B'ham Mags Court tomorrow (Monday, 11 March).'
Villa manager Dean Smith condemned the attacker as a 'mindless moron' and criticised as 'disgraceful' the Birmingham supporters who applauded the assailant as he left the pitch.
Later, in Sunday's Premier League match at the Emirates, a supporter ran on to the pitch after Arsenal scored a penalty to shove Manchester United defender Chris Smalling. Stewards led the man away. He was later arrested.
The 'fan' was eventually apprehended by stewards and players from both of the teams
The individual in question gestured to the home supposed, and actually received applause
Grealish responded to the attack on him by scoring the only goal of the game in the second half to keep Villa in contention for the play-offs and he celebrated with particular glee, jumping the hoardings to be submerged by Villa fans.
One steward reacted by shoving Grealish aggressively, appearing to force a knee into the 23-year-old's back, and he was then led away by police, too.
Birmingham believe the steward was only moving in to defuse the situation but were awaiting news from police.
The club was unequivocal in condemning the violence from one of their supporters: 'Birmingham City Football Club would like to apologise to Jack Grealish and Aston Villa Football Club for an incident in this afternoon's derby match.
'We deplore the behaviour of the individual who committed this act and rest assured he will be banned from St Andrew's for life. The club will also support any further punishment this individual may face in the eyes of the law.
'The club will be working with the relevant authorities to investigate all the circumstances and we will be reviewing our stadium safety procedures.
'What happened has no place in football or society. Jack is a Birmingham lad and regardless of club allegiance should not have been subjected to this. There are no excuses.'
Grealish was helped to his feet by rival Birmingham, who were quick to come to his aid
Grealish showed remarkable character to continue playing after the 10th-minute incident, scoring with a low shot from the edge of the area and afterwards he revelled in his role.
'It's the best day of my life,' he said. 'To come here for the first time, captain Aston Villa and score the winner —
