What a disgrace that Birmingham City fan is! The incident on Sunday meant Jack Grealish’s winner meant even more than it already would, and that mentality could drive them into the play-offs.

Not enough focus is placed on the importance on mentality in football. Having the right attitude and desire is just as important as physical ability, and an injustice like the punch thrown on Sunday is something that should give Villa the motivation to earn promotion.

There’s a firm belief at Villa Park that the club doesn’t belong in the Championship because of their historical successes and also the size of the fanbase. A lot of clubs feel this way though, but the incident must make the fans certain they don't belong in this division.

They’d love nothing better than to see their team back in the top flight while their neighbours struggle to get back up themselves. Of course, it’s better if the two are in the same division for derbies, but bar that they’ll want Birmingham to suffer, particularly after the way the fan and even a steward reacted at the weekend.

Fans of clubs all across the country saw what happened and will now want Villa and Grealish to succeed in spite of that fan. That, along with the support of their own loyal fans, could be the mental difference between accepting they won’t be promoted this season, to really gathering momentum for a play-off push.

The team will have grown stronger as a unit after the win and the issues on the pitch and that will put them in good stead when the going gets tough towards the final few games. The disgusting incident could be the motivation required, if they ever needed it, to break into the play-off spots.

Villa fans, what do you think your club are capable of achieving this season? Join the discussion by commenting below...