A LIFELONG Cherries fan and former Bournemouth mayor has spoken out against football hooliganism after being pushed over by an opposing supporter after a recent game.
Muscliff & Strouden Park ward councillor Derek Borthwick says he could have been killed after sustaining injuries apparently inflicted by a Newcastle United fan outside the Vitality Stadium.
The 87-year-old grandfather was walking to his car outside the ground following AFC Bournemouth’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle on Saturday, February 11, when he passed two men – aged roughly in their 40s.
Mr Borthwick told the Echo: “I was walking quite happily with my walking stick and as I passed them this bloke said I had stepped in his way and the next thing I know I’m flying off my feet.
“He pushed me from behind. I couldn’t believe it.”
The two men allegedly walked away and boarded a coach for travelling supporters while several other nearby Newcastle fans helped Mr Borthwick to his feet and checked on him.
After composing himself, Mr Borthwick returned home to his wife who noticed blood coming from his forehead. He subsequently went to Royal Bournemouth Hospital where he underwent scans, was given morphine and was found to have sustained a sprained wrist and bruised ribs.
Has since reported the incident to police but says he cannot explain why he was assaulted by the man.
“I could have died,” he said. “I don’t know why, maybe they thought 'There’s an old boy, let's kick him over'. There’s no reason for it. They were just thugs.”
Mr Borthwick, who awarded former Cherries manager Eddie Howe the freedom of the borough of Bournemouth during his mayorship, added: “The other Newcastle fans were good as gold. You couldn’t accuse anyone else from Newcastle of being like that. It was just those two hooligans.
“It’s hooliganism in the Premier League and it shouldn’t be happening. I think the Premier League should acknowledge that people are still doing these things as it could end badly.”
A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “[We] received a report of an assault at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth that happened at around 9pm on February 11.
“It was reported that the victim, a local man in his 80s, was thrown to the ground and subsequently sought medical attention. An investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article