Hinckley Times

Football fan in a coma after attack at the Euros

Fund has been set up to help family of Hinckley man

- ROBBIE GORDON robbie.gordon@trinitymir­ror.com

AN ENGLAND fan from Hinckley is in a coma after being attacked by a Russian hooligan at the Euro 2016 tournament.

Stewart Gray was reportedly hit on the back of the head in Marseilles on his way to watch England’s opening match on June 11.

It is claimed he was attacked by a Russian ‘Ultra’ who was wielding a hammer or metal bar.

The Leicester City fan has so far failed to regain consciousn­ess and is still in a hospital in the southern French city.

Family members are believed to be keeping a vigil by his bedside.

Friend Jamie Deering, who also travelled to France, has set up a online fundraisin­g page to pay for Mr Gray’s mounting medical bills.

He wrote on the page: “Stewart was attacked by Russian Ultras in Marseilles last Saturday.

“He has been in a coma since sustaining serious head injuries and remains in France.

“He is showing the early signs of recovery but will be unable to work for a long while.

“Money raised will go towards medical bills, mortgage payments etc.

Within days of being set up, the page dwarfed its £5,000 target and has so far topped the £20,000 mark. The target has now been extended to £25,000.

In response to the generosity of well-wishers, Mr Gray’s brother Duncan later wrote: “The family are overwhelme­d by your support. We thank you for each and every one of the donations.”

Mr Deering added: “Just another massive thank you on behalf of everyone for your donations to date. The response has been truly humbling.

“Stew is making small improvemen­ts but it will be a long journey. I will endeavour to keep everyone updated along the way. Love and respect.”

Mr Gray’s Facebook page lists him as a production planner at Burnetts Manufactur­ing Limited, in Northampto­n.

England’s first game against Rus- sia at the Stade Velodrome was marred by violence.

Video footage showed Russian fans charging at England supporters after the final whistle, with some wearing masks, gum shields and wielding weapons.

Further violence spilled onto the streets and French police used tear gas and riot shields to control fans.

Manager Roy Hodgson sent his best wishes to the The Three Lions fans who were injured in the clashes.

Andrew Bache, 51, was left with brain injuries and a third unnamed man remains in Timone Hospital in Marseilles.

The England coach said: “We feel bad whenever we hear about our fans getting injured in fights, especially in particular with the three still in hospital in Marseilles and still critically injured.

“We seriously hope they will recover as soon as possible and their injuries will not be long-lasting.

“We hope incidents of that kind will not occur again.”

To donate to Mr Gray’s page visit crowdfundi­ng.justgiving.com/j-b

 ??  ?? Stewart Gray, from Hinckley, who is in a coma following an attack by Russian fans in Marseille
Stewart Gray, from Hinckley, who is in a coma following an attack by Russian fans in Marseille
 ??  ?? Stewart Gray, an England and Leicester City fan who is reportedly in a coma
Stewart Gray, an England and Leicester City fan who is reportedly in a coma

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