A FOOTBALL fan cleared of assaulting a police officer has been further vindicated following an investigation by a watchdog.

Barrow AFC fan Edward Papas claimed he was acting in self-defence when he hit out at a police officer following an away match against Walsall.

He was found not guilty of assaulting PC Richard Mannox following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court in which jurors cleared him of the offence after deliberating for just 37 minutes.

Mr Papas told the jury he was pushed and struck by the officer and was acting in self-defence when he punched PC Maddox, giving the officer a black eye.

Following the verdict Judge Jonathan Gosling said the jury's prompt verdict was 'quite telling' and 'the officer's behaviour was disgraceful'.

Now, following an investigation by the Independent Police Conduct, Mr Pappas has been told the watchdog found there was a case to answer against PC Mannox for gross misconduct.

The regulator said the West Midlands Police officer would face a misconduct hearing over allegations he may have fallen short of standards related to use of force, authority, respect and courtesy.

The incident occurred while Mr Papas was walking back to his car under police escort with other away fans after Barrow AFC’s 1-0 win against Walsall at the Bescott Stadium on March 4 last year.

Mr Papas was arrested after an altercation following an exchange of words with a steward.

However, he told jurors that he was acting in self-defence when he punched PC Richard Mannox to the face, claiming the officer had pushed and struck out at him.

Following the jury trial, Mr Papas subsequently made a complaint to IOPC.

Following a ten-month ordeal in trying to clear his name, Mr Papas' complaint was looked at by investigators who reviewed police body-worn footage and CCTV footage of the incident as part of their inquiries.

Two officers were initially investigated by the watchdog over the incident.

He said the legal fees totalled nearly £52,000 and that he was considering further legal action.

Footage of the incident and posts shared by Mr Papas on social media were viewed millions of times.

West Midlands Police has been contacted for comment.