An investigation has been launched after items were thrown at Saints fans during their clash with Birmingham, causing one to require hospital treatment. 

Tara Doel, 58, told the Echo that she thought she'd been shot when a full soft drink bottle was launched from the upper tier of the stand, striking her on the head. 

The committed Saints fan needed to go to hospital the next day and has been left with headaches and ringing in her ears after the item was thrown by Birmingham fans who she says were sat directly above the away supporters.

Others commented on social media saying they were spat at and also had items thrown at them, prompting Birmingham City FC to launch an investigation. 

READ MORE: Southampton FC fan hit by bottle thrown by Birmingham fans

A spokesperson for the club said: “Birmingham City Football Club is extremely disappointed to hear of this incident and apologise unreservedly to the supporter in question. 

"The stand and section above the away allocation is reserved for young people from schools and community groups. 

"There were adult supervisors present but they were not aware that this incident had taken place. 

"Our security team is investigating and reviewing footage from the match in conjunction with West Midlands police. 

"We take incidents of this nature very seriously and there is no place for people who behave in this way in our stadium.”

Tara was injured around the 96th minute of the match when Saints' winning goal was scored by Joe Aribo.

She said she heard an "almighty bang" before noticing the bottle on the step next to her. 

Having attended Southampton games both home and away for 20 years, the fan said she hasn't encountered a situation like this before where opposing fans were allowed to sit above them. 

She has now called for this to be stopped adding that this type of behaviour is "just not acceptable" and that incidents such as this are happening more frequently of late. 

"I could have turned around, it could have taken an eye out.”

It follows incidents at the Southampton v Millwall game which saw two young fans hit with objects thrown by opposing fans. 

West Midlands Police has been approached for comment.