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Delia Smith, 82, 'shaken' and 'scared' as car pelted by missiles at Ipswich

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Tensions boiled over ahead of the hugely-anticipated East Anglia derby
Tensions boiled over ahead of the hugely-anticipated East Anglia derby

DELIA SMITH was “shaken" and “scared” as her car was pelted with missiles by yobs outside Portman Road.

Smith and her Norwich co-owner husband Michael Wynn-Jones made their way to the stadium in their BMW ahead of the East Anglian derby.

Delia Smith appeared shaken as she walked into the Ipswich stadium eiqrdidtzidzeprw
Delia Smith appeared shaken as she walked into the Ipswich stadium
Smith's car was hit by a can of beer outside Portman Road
Smith's car was hit by a can of beer outside Portman RoadCredit: PA
A blue flare struck the back windscreen of the motor
A blue flare struck the back windscreen of the motor

But their chauffeur-driven car followed immediately behind the Ipswich team bus rather than going into the stadium under a police escort with the Norwich coach.

And when they were spotted, yobs hurled flares and cans of beer at the vehicle — as well as shouting abuse at the elderly couple.

No one was hurt or injured but a Norwich insider told SunSport that legendary former TV cook Smith, 82, was “shaken and a bit scared by the incident".

Man Utd icon Rooney seen at Wigan vs Hull supporting ex-Derby assistant RoseniorMan Utd icon Rooney seen at Wigan vs Hull supporting ex-Derby assistant Rosenior

Suffolk Police have so far made no arrests but have been pouring over camera footage in a bid to identify the culprits.

Ipswich Town said that if anyone saw anything they should report it to the police and that anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated at Portman Road.

After the two sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, Norwich boss David Wagner called for the yobs to be banned from attending football matches for life.

He said: “I saw Delia after the game and she’s OK.

“There are idiots all over the world. I can’t understand how anyone could behave like this — attacking a woman who is over 80 years old and being driven to a football match, even if she supports another team. Hopefully they find these people and ban them for life.”

But security questions need to be answered by the authorities.

Why did they allow the Norwich co-owners to be taken unescorted into the ground behind the Ipswich coach?

Tractor Boys fans group Blue Action organised a team coach greeting where fans were encouraged to congregate on nearby streets to Portman Road, Sir Alf Ramsey Way and Constantine Road.

Supporters were lining the streets, lighting blue flares and chanting Ipswich songs to help build the atmosphere ahead of the game.

But an Ipswich fan who was there told SunSport: “It beggars belief how the Police allowed Delia Smith’s car to follow the Ipswich team bus.

Talks set for huge shake-up that could see Community Shield played ABROADTalks set for huge shake-up that could see Community Shield played ABROAD

"They knew that a huge gathering of fans were going to be at the entrance gates so it was asking for trouble.”

Suffolk Police were approached for comment.

The Ipswich fans made an intimidating atmosphere
The Ipswich fans made an intimidating atmosphereCredit: Getty
Police held back fans to keep order
Police held back fans to keep orderCredit: PA
Ipswich are flying high in the Championship
Ipswich are flying high in the ChampionshipCredit: Getty
Horses were deployed ahead of kick-off
Horses were deployed ahead of kick-offCredit: PA
The celebrity chef is the joint majority shareholder for the Canaries
The celebrity chef is the joint majority shareholder for the CanariesCredit: Getty

Justin Allen

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