A 15-year-old schoolboy suffered a horrific facial injury and was knocked unconscious after being attacked by a group of men following a football match in Southport.
Nathan Nuttall and his 17-year-old friend had attended Southport FC’s home fixture against Chester FC on Friday, 19 April. After the match, the pair walked to a nearby shop, where they were approached by a group of around 10 men, believed to be Chester fans, who allegedly began shouting abuse at them.
According to Nathan’s sister, Ellie, the teens responded verbally before violence erupted. She told the Liverpool Echo: “They were outside the shop minding their own business when a group of around 10 men came over and started giving them abuse. They’ve shouted back and then one of these men has come over and headbutted Nathan.”
She added that around 30 more men then descended on the teens. Nathan’s friend was reportedly knocked unconscious and suffered a broken cheekbone in five places, a broken nose, and severe facial swelling. Nathan was knocked out from behind and required stitches after his upper lip was left “nearly hanging off”.
Graphic images of the aftermath, including the boys lying on the ground, circulated on social media alongside video footage showing the chaotic scene just yards from Haig Avenue stadium.
Nathan’s sister said the teenager is now traumatised and hasn’t left the house since the incident: “He’s feeling shaken up. It’s horrible to see. His injuries could have been so much worse.”
Merseyside Police have launched an appeal for witnesses. Inspector Stuart McLoughlin from the Force Operations Unit said: “The victims sustained minor injuries but have been left shocked and shaken. We are urging anyone with information on this crime to help us with our enquiries.”
He confirmed that extra police were deployed around the fixture and operational football officers attended. “We are working with both clubs to identify the people responsible,” he added.
The force is asking anyone who was in the Haig Avenue area around the time of the incident to come forward with CCTV, dashcam or smart doorbell footage. Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via social media (@MerPolCC) quoting reference 25000316569, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Southport FC expressed concern over the incident in a statement, confirming that no issues occurred inside the stadium. The club said: “We hosted a football game that is somewhat of a derby fixture… there were no incidents to report within the stadium. We had 2,300+ fans in attendance and had increased stewarding and police presence.”
They added that the club is “working to crackdown on anti-social behaviour” and will continue to liaise with Merseyside Police as part of the ongoing investigation.
Chester FC declined to comment.
The investigation remains ongoing.
