Car with Birmingham CEO attacked by angry fans outside St Andrew’s

West Midlands Police have opened an investigation, after a car with Birmingham City CEO Xuandong Ren was attacked outside of St Andrew’s.

Footage of the incident, which came prior the 3-1 home defeat to Derby in their final match of the Championship season – emerged on social media before quickly going viral.

There were multiple protests outside the ground, next to the player’s entrance, on Wednesday night.

A flare could be seen getting set off, and it only got rowdier from there with a blue mist descending with the Range Rover circled by supporters.

The furious fans went in an swearing tirade about the CEO whilst also chanting for him to leave the club following yet another disappointing season.

Security got be seen having no choice but to get involved, by dispersing the fans as they got closer to the vehicle.

Trillion Trophy Asia (TTA) have come under intense criticism by the West Midlands side’s fanbase, as described by Birmingham Live, with club only just surviving relegation to League One.

They were just two points and two places above the drop zone in the Championship, following a dreadful run of form that saw them pick up just seven points from their last 14 league matches.

Their last league victory came away to Barnsley all the way back in February, which must feel like forever for all those associated with the club.

“We are aware of a video circulating on social media that appears to show a car being attacked as it entered St Andrew’s football stadium before the game last night (22 July),” read a statement from West Midlands Police.

“We are looking into this video, however as yet no offences have been reported.”

Head coach Pep Clotet was due to leave at the end of the season, however he has since departed much earlier than planned, meaning Steve Spooner and Craig Gardner have had to temporarily take the reigns for the final four games of the campaign.

Spooner said after the defeat to Derby: “To go that long without a victory is very concerning. We knew the situation when we came in and we’ve tried to put our stamp on it and we’ve seen that in the improvement in performances.

“But unfortunately we haven’t had enough games (in charge) to have got that win.”

Former Liverpool striker, Robbie Fowler, who more recently left Australian A-League side Brisbane Roar, has confirmed his interest in taking up his first managerial job in England, and has applied for the role at Birmingham as well as Bristol City.

Robbie Fowler has revealed that he has applied for the vacant head coach roles at Birmingham City and Bristol City. pic.twitter.com/sGtfPVKCOV

— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) July 23, 2020

Fowler told Dubai Eye 103.8: “The CV has gone in but I’m not sure what route these clubs are going. Conversations can be had but, as of now, I’ve had nothing. It’s just a case of wait and see.

“I’m on the lookout for something else. All the good work that I’ve done, I want to continue that so fingers crossed a position will open up pretty soon and I can get back out on this pitch. I believe I bring out the best in any team that I’m at.”

The club have recently sold 17-year-old Jude Bellingham to German giants Borussia Dortmund, in a deal which could eventually be worth more than £30m to the Championship club.

He highlighted the ‘disgusting’ racially abusive post sent to him in recent days.

West Mercia Police are “thoroughly investigating” a post on Twitter, which Bellingham described as “disgusting”.

“Times have to change. More has to be done,” he added.

“To not rate me as a player or even dislike me as a person is fine with me. But how someone can use my race and disgraceful stereotypes to criticise a decision I’ve made for my career is beyond me.”

In a statement, inspector Lee Page said: “The comments were reported to West Midlands Police earlier today and the case has been handed to West Mercia Police as the victim lives in our policing area.

“I can confirm that officers are thoroughly investigating these abhorrent comments and we have made contact with the victim and the victim’s family.

“I share the opinion of all right minded people that these narrow minded and disgusting comments have no place in society.”

This comes after Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha, Sheffield United’s David McGoldrick and Bristol City striker Famara Diedhiou, also got racist abuse online in recent weeks.

Speaking to BBC Radio WM on Wednesday, Bellingham said he “can’t stop crying” about his exit from the club and spent time after the match saying goodbyes to club staff.

You can take the boy out of Birmingham, but you can’t take Birmingham out of the boy.

Keep Right On, Jude. ? pic.twitter.com/x7SRATj8Wl

— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) July 23, 2020

Bellingham believes Dortmund is the “best place for me right now to carry on my development”, but added: “I do love the club and I struggle to hide it. I know how much this club means to me. I can’t stop crying about leaving.

“I just hope they (the fans) have enjoyed watching me play. It will always have a massive place in my heart. It’s my club, the club I support, and it’s been a privilege to be able to play for this club.”

“For me, it’s been a dream come true,” he said. “Maybe it’ll sink in, what I’ve done and the records and stuff, a bit later. But for now I’m actually quite gutted. I look back with only fond memories.”

Bellingham’s brother Jobe is in Birmingham’s academy and Jude hopes he can return to the club to watch his younger sibling break the first team.

“The thought of that makes me so happy,” he continued. “My brother’s on my shoulder crying tonight because he loves the club as well, just as much, if not more, than I do.

“He’s loved watching his big brother run around and gee up the fans whenever he gets the chance.

“He’s hungry and if and when he gets his chance, I’ll probably be in the stands cheering him on and falling down loads of rows when he gets his first goal.”

Birmingham were mocked on social media on Thursday after they chose to retired the 22 shirt number in honour of Bellingham.

The club’s website said: “In such a remarkably short space of time Jude has become an iconic figure at Blues, showing what can be achieved through talent, hard work and dedication.

“His caring, humble and engaging off-the-field demeanour has also made him such an impressive role model.

“The 22 shirt has become synonymous with Jude, his rise to the first team aged just 16 years and 38 days and these qualities.

“And as such the club have decided it would be fitting to retire this number, to remember one of our own and to inspire others.”