Shocking moment goalkeeper ‘PUNCHES a rival fan’ behind the goal during match before being escorted off the pitch by security at full-time
A non-league goalkeeper was caught on camera punching an opposing fan and then being carried off the field during Friday’s match.
In the match against Chelmsford City in the National League South, Joe Wright, who was playing in goal for Enfield Town, was seen turning towards the opposing fans standing right behind him.
The 29-year-old player, who was collecting the ball to take a goal kick, suddenly changed direction and punched the fan with his right hand.
Wright then nonchalantly returned to the field before preparing to restart play, but there was a seven-minute delay in the action. According to the match report on Enfield’s website, the incident was not seen by the referee or linesman and he was not sent off.
Footage of the incident, which was shared widely online after it was pulled from the stands at the Dunmow Group Community Stadium, showed those in the crowd of 2,200 gasping for breath.
Essex police confirmed to Daily Mail Sport that the force had not been called or deployed to the ground.
Footage claims to show Enfield Town goalkeeper Joe Wright ‘punching a fan’
Wright (centre) was not sent off but was given a security guard off the pitch at the end of the match
A post about Chelmsford City’s X accused Joe Wright of punching a fan and the message was later deleted
Security personnel wearing high-visibility jackets were positioned behind the goal for the remainder of the match following the incident, and Wright was escorted down the tunnel after the match, Essex Live reported.
Both clubs referenced this on their social media accounts before deleting the messages.
Enfield Town’s official X account claimed: ‘The referee stopped play here in poor circumstances.
‘Clearly there was some conversation between Wright and the Chelmsford fans who launched missiles towards him.’
Chelmsford City FC, who won the game 3-0, wrote in a now-deleted post: ‘We have video evidence of Joe Wright punching a fan.’
While the FA continues its investigation, Essex Live said its board was reviewing the referees’ reports on the match.
Chelmsford City and Enfield Town have been contacted for a response.
