Footballer has fractured skull after men storm pitch in violent mid-match attack

Richard Agbasoga was playing for Ormskirk West End in the 12th tier of English football when he was attacked during a match in the Liverpool County Premier League Championship division

An amateur footballer has been taken to hospital after suffering a fractured skull in a non-league match. Richard Agbasoga, who is a temporary NHS worker in his day job, is reported to have suffered the injuries during a 12th-tier fixture in Liverpool.

Agbasoga, from Ghana, is said to not be entitled to statutory sick pay due to his status as an overseas student. His club, Ormskirk West End, have set up a fundraising page to support him while he is unable to work during his recovery.

According to The Athletic, the 27-year-old was allegedly attacked by individuals who entered the field of play during a match between Ormskirk West End and Calci FC. The attackers, who are said to have punched and kicked him in the head, were not players in the match, while The Athletic has indicated Merseyside Police have not received a formal complaint about the incident

Agbasoga’s team were reportedly leading 2-0 at the time of the incident, which occurred moments after another of their players was headbutted. The match, in the Liverpool Premier League, was subsequently suspended.

The report states that Calci FC’s fixtures have been suspended while the teams await the result of an investigation from Liverpool County FA’s disciplinary department. It has been made clear that the club itself has not been suspended, but upcoming fixtures have been put on hold.

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“Richard suffered injuries that include a fractured skull at a football match – playing for Ormskirk West End – that will keep him off work for up to 12 weeks – and as an oversees student and a temporary worker for the NHS – does not recieve statutaory sick pay,” the GoFundMe page for the playe reads. “Anything you donate will go directly to Richard to cover his expenses until he can return to work.”

At the time of writing, more than £2,400 has been donated. The sum is made up of more than 70 donations, some of them sent anonymously, ranging from £5 up to £150.

A number of people have shown support for Agbasoga on social media, with others condemning the alleged attack. “Disgusting. Kicking someone in the head while they are on the floor could kill them,” one reply read.

“Absolutely sickening barely covers this incident. What the hell is wrong with some people?” asked another. “Horrific. Violence has no place on the pitch amateur or professional,” wrote a third.

“Absolutely horrifying violence has no place in sports,.” another social media user added. “Hope he makes a full recovery and the attacker faces real consequences.”

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