A miracle was needed at St.Andrew's today if Birmingham were to avoid relegation, a fate the Blues could not avoid despite a 1-0 victory over Norwich City, resulting in Birmingham fans invading the pitch upon the full-time whistle.
The Midlands club did their part in securing victory but wins for the three teams above them meant their efforts were all in vain.
Birmingham City relegated to League One
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Birmingham fans invade pitch at full-time whistle
Birmingham fans are on the pitch after being relegated to League One.
That £2 a pint offer probably wasn’t a wise move after all… 😭 pic.twitter.com/PudCLkipqF
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) May 4, 2024
It has been a dreadful season for Birmingham City. A gruelling campaign has seen Wayne Rooney's side accrue just 50 points, winning a mere 13 games while losing almost double that amount at 22.
With winnable games towards the latter stages of the season, the Blues would have fancied their chances of staying up. But, with consecutive draws against both Huddersfield and Rotherham – the only two sides below them in the league, relegation became almost inevitable.
A miracle was needed on the last day, but unfortunately for the club's supporters, miracles are extremely few and far between.
Somewhat understandably, fans stormed the pitch as the full-time whistle sounded. However, it must be noted that despite the somber reality, fans appeared to be angrier with the away fans' “you are going down” chants than they were with the team.
Perhaps £2 pints weren't a good idea
Ahead of the game, the club released an official statement via their club website saying that “As a thank you for the unwavering and loyal support across the campaign, bars across the Stadium and the concourses will be offering fans pints of Amstel and Strongbow for just £2 between 10.30am and 11.30am.
“This deal will be available from the Fanzone, The Happy Abode, Bar 8, The Changing Room Bar, and all kiosks, with turnstiles opening at the earlier time of 10.30am.”
Despite the generous offer likely having sincere motives of thanking fans, it may well have backfired. We are aware of the impact alcohol can have on football fans, and there is a chance, however slim, that the pitch invasion would not have occurred had pints not been priced ar £2 on the day.
Regardless, Birmingham City have been relegated to League one, and understandably, their supporters are less than happy about it.