Copyright irishmirror
An amateur footballer has been rushed to hospital after suffering a fractured skull during a non-league match. Richard Agbasoga, who works as a temporary NHS worker in his day job, is reported to have sustained the injuries during a 12th-tier fixture in Liverpool. Agbasoga, originally from Ghana, is not entitled to statutory sick pay due to his status as an overseas student. His club, Ormskirk West End, have launched a fundraising page to support him while he's unable to work during his recovery. As per The Athletic, the 27-year-old was allegedly assaulted by individuals who invaded the pitch during a match between Ormskirk West End and Calci FC. The attackers, who are said to have punched and kicked him in the head, were not players in the match, while The Athletic has indicated that Merseyside Police have not received a formal complaint about the incident. Agbasoga's team were reportedly leading 2-0 at the time of the incident, which happened just after another of their players was headbutted. The match, in the Liverpool Premier League, was subsequently suspended. The report states that Calci FC's fixtures have been suspended while the teams await the outcome of an investigation from Liverpool County FA's disciplinary department. It has been clarified that the club itself has not been suspended, but upcoming fixtures have been put on hold, reports the Mirror . "Richard suffered injuries that include a fractured skull at a football match - playing for Ormskirk West End - that will keep him off work for up to 12 weeks - and as an oversees student and a temporary worker for the NHS - does not recieve statutaory sick pay," the GoFundMe page for the player reads. "Anything you donate will go directly to Richard to cover his expenses until he can return to work." At the time of writing, more than £2,400 has been donated. The total comprises over 70 contributions, some submitted anonymously, with amounts varying from £5 to £150. Numerous individuals have expressed solidarity with Agbasoga across social media platforms, whilst others have denounced the alleged assault. "Disgusting. Kicking someone in the head while they are on the floor could kill them," one response stated. "Absolutely sickening barely covers this incident. What the hell is wrong with some people?" questioned another user. "Horrific. Violence has no place on the pitch amateur or professional," penned a third. "Absolutely horrifying violence has no place in sports ,"another social media user commented. "Hope he makes a full recovery and the attacker faces real consequences." Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond .
