An amateur footballer and NHS worker has been left with a fractured skull after being attacked by a group of “more than 10 spectators” during a match in Liverpool.
Ormskirk West End Football Club said one of their players, Richard Agbasoga, had been attacked around 20 minutes into the match against Calci FC at Wavertree Sports Park on Saturday.
Team manager Chris Bull said Mr Agbasoga, an international nursing student from Ghana and temporary NHS worker, had suffered permanent damage to his ear and was being tested for potential damage to his sight.
He said the “sickening” attack had followed an on-field scuffle between Mr Agbasoga and another player.
Merseyside Police has been contacted for comment and Mr Bull said the Football Association had launched an investigation.
While scuffles between players were reasonably common, he said the “prolonged attack” by spectators was an isolated incident.
“It was one of the worst incidents I’ve seen on a football field,” he said.
Mr Agbasoga is not eligible for sick pay. A GoFundMe set up to support him during his recovery and to help with his medical costs has already raised more than £3,000.
Mr Bull described Mr Agbasoga as a “lovely man” and a “gentle giant”.
“He’s very shook up, very tired… but he’s very encouraged and heartened by the support he’s received,” he said.
“As horrible as this incident was, they are rare… which is backed up by the amount of support Richard has received.”
