Police are appealing for information
A schoolboy’s lip was left ‘nearly hanging off’ after being attacked by dozens of men following a football match.
Nathan Nuttall, 15, attended Southport v Chester with his 17-year-old friend on Saturday (April 19).
The pair then walked to a shop nearby, where it is claimed a group of 10 men – believed to be Chester fans – approached them and shouted at them.
Nathan and his mate shouted back, before the teenager was headbutted. Around 30 more men are believed to have joined in the attack, the Liverpool Echo reports.
Ellie, Nathan’s sister, says the pals had been ‘minding their own business’ before the melee kicked off.
She said: “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. He’s had to have stitches in his lip, it was that bad.
“Around 30 more men then came over and began attacking them. His friend went down first and Nathan has watched them stamp on his head while he’s on the floor unconscious. Then someone has come from behind and hit Nathan in the back of the head, this is when he was knocked out.
“His friend’s cheekbone is broken in five different places, his nose is broken and he can’t open one of his eyes. Thankfully, my brother doesn’t have any major injuries.”
In the hours that followed the incident, a photo was shared on social media site X of both teens on the floor, with footage emerging of the group surrounding the boys outside the shop just yards from the football ground.
Describing her brother’s injuries, 21-year-old Ellie said: “Nathan’s top lip was nearly hanging off his face. It’s been stitched back so it will heal properly.”
She continued: “He’s feeling shaken up and traumatised from the incident. He isn’t leaving the house either, and hasn’t left the house since it happened.”
Merseyside Police has since issued an appeal for information. Inspector Stuart McLoughlin of 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.
“Our planned police presence was increased for the match following the incident and Operational Football Officers attended. Our enquiries are ongoing and we are working with both clubs to identify the people responsible.
“The incident took place in a busy area when there would have been other fans present, who may have seen the assault take place.
“If you were in the Haig Avenue, Southport area at that time and witnessed the assault then please get in touch.”
A spokesperson added: “We are asking residents and visitors for any CCTV, smart doorbell or dashcam footage on Friday 18 April on Haig Avenue, Southport that can assist us please get in touch. Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC quoting reference 25000316569. or call @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.”
A spokesperson from Southport FC told the Echo: “As a club, we are upset at the videos circulating on the internet across social media platforms that appear to be a bit further down the road from our stadium.
“We hosted a football game that is somewhat of a derby fixture, during this fixture, there were no incidents to report at all within the stadium both pre and post fixture. We held 2300+ fans in the stadium on what was a great day both atmosphere and weather.
“Due to the large expected crowd, we increased our stewarding provision from a regular team of 12, to a team of 20 to ensure safety was paramount, Merseyside Police were in attendance, in addition to a number of Cheshire Police who travel with the away team.
“Southport FC and the Board of directors have vowed to crackdown on anti-social behaviour alongside myself and Merseyside Police. Due to the rise in social media platforms, there has been a correlation in reported ASB at football fixtures in lower league teams all around the country.
“After some extensive work, we have made major progress this season, meaning for the first time in 15 years, we have unsegregated the ground on fixtures that carry a low risk. These fixtures have seen some really good feedback and we plan to continue this next season in our bid to bring back families and football fans to Haig Avenue.
“The club have been in regular contact with Merseyside Police around the incident on Friday and today we have been working gathering evidence where possible to assist the police in their investigation.”
Chester FC declined to comment when approached by the Liverpool Echo.