6-a-side footballer’s vicious knife attack

AN amateur footballer was subjected to a vicious knife attack after a six-a-side match erupted in violence.

Ryan McDonald, of Oldham, was rushed to hospital where he was treated for wounds to his head, hand and leg after being stabbed in a revenge attack as he tried to leave the ground after the night-match in March.

His attacker, 22-year-old Mohammed Rahman, of Denton Lane, Chadderton, had not even been involved in the game at the all-weather pitch on Chapel Road, Hollinwood.

He had been summoned to bring reinforcements, in a mobile phone call from his uncle who played for opposition side, Khan FC, who had just clashed with Mr McDonald’s team, New Life.

Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court heard that Rahman arrived with other males in his BMW car as Mr McDonald was about to drive off the car park.

The group quickly surrounded the vehicle, and one of them kicked out at the car door.

When Mr McDonald got out, Rahman who was armed with a craft knife, went for him, stabbing at his head and leg, then trying to cut his neck. His victim’s hand was then injured as he tried to defend himself.

Mr McDonald had to have 11 staples put in the head wound.

Rahman initially denied any involvement in the attack. The court was told that he only decided to admit what he had done as the matter was set to go to trial.

Jailing Rahman for three years and nine months, judge Timothy Mort told him: “It is quite clear that this match moved from football to warfare.”