Family pitch in to fight for justice

SIDELINED ... Jack Holmes was left unconscious after a challenge in a junior football league game

AN OLDHAM family has been fighting for action after their son was knocked unconcious during a football match.

Jack Holmes needed hospital treatment after a challenge with the opposition goalkeeper in an under-15s league match. Soon afterwards he lost a tooth while eating.

Five months on, Jack (14) faces a new season on the sidelines following AFC Clayton’s advice to his parents that Jack should ‘play his football elsewhere’.

His angry father, Paul, will meet the Manchester FA tomorrow.

He claims his son, a pupil at Waterhead Academy, has been a victim twice: once on the pitch, then through the actions of his former club.

Paul, of Granite Street, Derker, said of the Gorton game: “It was pandemonium after the challenge. Jack was unconscious for about 15 to 30 seconds.

“I took him to hospital for a check up and as well as the concussion, he suffered bruising to his forehead and around his eye and grazes to his nose and leg. After returning home, while eating his dinner, he also lost a tooth.

“The goalkeeper who charged at Jack in the game received a yellow card. My son missed the next game, through his injuries, the goalkeeper didn’t. He is the victim in all of this, so why should he suffer?”

Tensions have built since the incident in February.

In May, AFC Clayton wrote to Jack’s parents: “As a committee we think that is in probably in the interests of yourselves and AFC Clayton if Jack plays his football elsewhere from next season.

“We have for over 20 years provided football to the children within our community but unfortunately we cannot fulfil your expectations.”

AFC Clayton Juniors officials told the Chronicle they believe the incident had been dealt with and stood by their decision.

Jack’s parents will now take their complaints to the Manchester FA tomorrow.