Football club apologises over on-pitch 'assault'

An amateur football club in West Sussex has apologised after one of its players reportedly assaulted two opposing team members, leaving one requiring hospital treatment.

Saturday's match in Easebourne, between Midhurst and Easebourne FC (MEFC) and visitors Emsworth Town, had to be abandoned after about 20 minutes following what the home side called a "completely unprovoked attack".

MEFC said its player had been left with "severe damage" to the inside of his mouth, a broken bone in his jaw and "a high chance of requiring surgery".

A spokesperson for Sidlesham-based Emsworth Town described it as an "isolated incident" which did "not reflect the values of our club, players or volunteers".

"We apologise as a club for what happened during our Malcolm Simmonds Memorial Cup tie against Midhurst and Easebourne," the club added.

"There was an incident which followed an altercation over the awarding of a free kick and we wish the injured player a full and speedy recovery.

"We also recognise fully the distress caused to everyone who witnessed it."

In addition, Emsworth Town said it would "comply fully with the West Sussex Football League and Hampshire FA's protocols and any actions they may take".

Tom Merritt-Smith, MEFC chairman, described the incident's impact on his team as "horrific", adding that the club would be arranging counselling sessions to help players deal with what they saw and to "put them in the right mindset" for upcoming fixtures.

He added that, while it was "too early" to talk about what sanctions could be brought against Emsworth Town, he would push "as hard as I can to make sure our players aren't put at risk again".

The Sussex FA said it was aware of a "serious allegation of misconduct arising from an incident over the weekend", adding the matter was "currently under investigation".

Sussex Police said it received a report that "an altercation" took place at the ground, leading to one player "sustaining a serious injury and attending hospital for treatment".

"Inquiries to establish the circumstances remain underway and we ask witnesses or anyone with relevant footage to contact us," the force added.

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