A man appeared has in court charged with the murder of an Aston Villa football supporter who was struck by a car following the derby clash with Birmingham City.

Lee Mockble, 20, who was charged with the offence last week, spoke only to confirm his name during the brief hearing at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court.

He is accused of killing Christopher Priest on April 20. Mr Priest, aged 26, from Sutton Coldfield, died after being struck by a car shortly after Aston Villa’s 5-1 win over Birmingham City at Villa Park, although prosecutors have confirmed the incident was not linked to rivalry between fans of the two clubs.

Senior Crown prosecutor Jason Pegg said last week: “I have considered all the available evidence in this case and I have decided that there is sufficient evidence for Lee Mockble to be charged with the murder of Christopher Priest.

“From the evidence that I have considered, it is clear that this incident was not directly linked to the Aston Villa v Birmingham City football match, nor did it arise from an allegiance to any particular football club.”

Mockble, of Robin Hood Lane, Hall Green, Birmingham, will appear at Birmingham Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on July 10 at 10am. He was remanded in custody.