A football fan had his jaw broken in two places simply for supporting the wrong team after he was punched in a bar near Old Trafford.
The 20-year-old travelled up from Birmingham to watch Aston Villa play Manchester United on April 22.
After the game, the man and his friends went to the Ex-Serviceman’s Club on Talbot Road for drinks before the coach journey home.
At about 10.10pm the man was on his way out when he was approached by a man in the foyer, punched to the floor and punched again when he was down.
When he got to hospital, he was told his jaw was broken in two places – even after two operations, he is continuing to receive treatment.
Detective Constable Andy Darnton said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack on a young man who was simply enjoying an away football trip with his friends.
“In the absence of any other explanation, we can only think that the victim was attacked because he was an Aston Villa fan, not that this is a justifiable reason.”
Despite his horrific injuries, the victim managed to get on the bus home before going to hospital.
The offender is described as white, in his early 20s, with light coloured shaved hair, about 6ft tall and of medium build. He had young looking features, and was wearing a black hooded Hugo Boss top.
DC Darnton said Greater Manchester Police are committed to helping away fans enjoy a safe visit when they come to watch football in the area.
“Anyone who shows this level of violence needs to be caught and we would appeal for anyone with information to call us,” he added.
“We are lead to believe that the club was busy at the time; a lot of the people who drink there do so as part of their post-match routine so there is every chance there are people who know the man responsible.
“I would urge them to do the right thing and call us.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7655 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Parrot of Doom, via Flickr, with thanks.
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