A Millwall fan who threw a coin that hit a seven-year-old Norwich City supporter has been banned from attending all matches for five years.

Ryan Kelly, 38, admitted hurling the 50p piece that struck the terrified young girl during violent clashes at Carrow Road.

Norwich Evening News: Violent clashes broke out after Norwich scored a second in a 2-0 win over MillwallViolent clashes broke out after Norwich scored a second in a 2-0 win over Millwall (Image: Focus Images Limited)

Scores of Millwall supporters reacted angrily charging at Canaries supporters and stewards in the South Stand after Josh Sargent netted City's second goal in a 2-0 Championship victory over the London side last August.

The clashes saw the youngster, who was with her father and sister, caught up as yobs threw objects, including ripped out seats, at cowering families and attempted to attack celebrating home fans.

Kelly, from Norwood Park in south east London, was attending the match after just completing a previous six-year football banning order imposed after he had been jailed, Norwich Magistrates Court heard.

Norwich Evening News: Millwall thug Ryan Kelly was given five year football banning order at Norwich Magistrates CourtMillwall thug Ryan Kelly was given five year football banning order at Norwich Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

The unemployed thug, who pleaded guilty to assault and throwing a missile at spectators, was one of several Millwall supporters arrested during and after the match on August 19.

In a statement he claimed to have reacted after being hit by an object thrown by Norwich fans. 

“I feel so guilty that my actions have caused an innocent seven-year-old to feel she can not go to a football match and celebrate a goal without fearing some moron like me throwing objects,” he said.

The girl, now aged eight, suffered bruising to her arm and wrote to the court to say his actions had left her “frightened and hurt”. 

Norwich Evening News: Millwall fans were arrested during and after the game that also saw ripped up seats thrown at Norwich supportersMillwall fans were arrested during and after the game that also saw ripped up seats thrown at Norwich supporters (Image: Focus Images Limited)

“I was really scared and was worried I would see the man outside the stadium after the game,” she said.

“I could see that he was really angry but I don’t know why. If it was just because Norwich scored then that is really mean.”

Magistrates imposed a five-year football banning order and said he had to pay fines and costs of £347. He was also told to pay £100 compensation.