Disabled teen 'thought he'd die' as he was battered by gang of football thugs

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A spokesman for Raith Rovers said the incident has been reported to the police (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A spokesman for Raith Rovers said the incident has been reported to the police (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A disabled football fan believed he was going to die in a "sickening" attack which was filmed by a gang of thugs and shared online. The 18-year-old is deaf and was brutally beaten by almost twelve youths following a Scottish New Year derby match.

The thugs punched out the boy's hearing aid and whacked it before viciously kicking and trampling all over him. He was lying defenceless on the ground. Then, as he was attempting to move away, one of the lads kicked him during the attack, which has horrified football fans nationwide who have watched the footage.

The thugs associated with the assault are connected to Dunfermline Athletic who were taking part in a Scottish Championship derby game with Fife rivals Raith Rovers, and yesterday, club chiefs swore to ban those who were responsible, The Daily Record reports. Police have arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the incident on Tuesday.

Speaking to the Record, the victim's heartbroken mum said she was left "physically sick" following harrowing mobile phone footage of the attack which was shared online. The mum of two, from Kirkcaldy, who asked not be named, said: “My son is severely battered and bruised. This has broken his heart. I don’t understand how anyone could do this over a game of football. He was at a bus stop waiting to go home. He said he thought he was going to die and nobody was there to help him. His friends ran away because they were scared.”

Disabled teen 'thought he'd die' as he was battered by gang of football thugs qhidqxidquixqinvA disabled teen 'thought he'd die' as he was battered by gang of football thugs 'in sick' attack

She said that her son's hearing aid was smashed by one of the hooligans, whilst they laughed at him and shouted "kill him" while pummeling him. His mum said: "He was all alone with 12 boys hurting him – who does that? Stamping on his hearing aid and laughing that they broke it? Honestly, I’ve no words. Seeing that video made me physically sick. Hearing them shout the words ‘kill him’. Then posting it online like it was an achievement. It’s really not.”

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge himBaby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

Horrible video footage shared on social media reveals the victim curled on the floor, whilst a gang of yobs repeatedly punch and kick his body. At least four men are seen kicking the young man as he cradles his head. The group can be heard shouting obscene slurs at the victim including "you f***ing p***" and "you f***ing g***". As the teen gets up off the floor, a man shouts "leave him, leave him".

One brute is filmed taking one last kick, aimed directly at the teen's back as he tries to escape. His mum said: "We were in the hospital until 5am. Nobody has had any sleep. I don’t understand what goes through people’s minds. He is embarrassed because everybody has seen the video. It was all over social media.”

The mother said she was grateful to Dunfermline fans, who had come forward to name some of the individuals who were allegedly involved. Both clubs have a fierce rivalry, with 'The Pars', as Dunfermline are nicknamed, losing 2-1 at home to top-of-the-table Raith in the match.

The victim was making his way home to Kirkcaldy when the attack happened. Raith Rovers and Dunfermline Athletic vowed to take action to help police identify those involved. Footballers and supporters have rallied round to offer their support to the teen, with Rovers goalie Kevin Dabrowski leading the charge.

Posting on social media, he said: “This is not what football is about, people like this ruin what football truly means. This boy is normally the supporter but he is the one who needs support from Raith and everyone.” Pars midfielder Chris Hamilton added: “Not what our club’s about, disappointing to see. Hope the boy is OK.”

A spokesman for Raith Rovers confirmed they are supporting the fan. He said: “We are aware of an incident involving one of our supporters being assaulted after today’s match. We have contacted the supporter to check on their wellbeing and to see how we can provide support in any way possible. The incident has been reported to the police and we will work with Dunfermline Athletic to identify the offenders.”

A Dunfermline Athletic spokesman said: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media last night. The club condemns all forms of violence in the strongest possible way and we will support the authorities in identifying any individuals involved. We will work with Raith Rovers to ensure that the supporter involved receives the support they need. Any supporter found to have taken part in this horrible act will be banned from KDM Group East End Park.”

Police Scotland launched a probe into the incident. Inspector Neil McGurk said: “A 17-year-old male youth has been arrested in connection with the assault of an 18-year-old man which happened in Dunfermline around 5.30pm on Tuesday, January 2, following the Dunfermline Athletic v Raith Rovers football fixture. Enquiries are ongoing to trace others involved. We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the assault to get in touch with Police Scotland on 101. This type of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Sarah Vesty

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