Preston thugs to blame as 8 year old Blackpool fan’s head ‘gushes with blood’

Preston North End thugs are to blame as an 8 year old Blackpool fan’s head ‘gushes with blood’ during Tuesday night’s game.

The child, Harry Slavin-Kayley, needed emergency first aid when he was hit by the metal container towards the end of the West Lancashire derby at Deepdale.

Prior to the match, he had a photo taken with his hero, Blackpool’s Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel, but sadly was injured and left treated by medics.

His dad Jordan Kayley, 35, said: “The atmosphere was really volatile. We were right next to the Preston fans, and we couldn’t move anywhere else because of how busy it was. There were coins and bottles being thrown. We sat with our hoods up, trying not to get hit.

“The final whistle has gone and there was a lot of aggression on either side, and the next thing I knew was we were getting things thrown at us. Something flew past me and struck Harry in the head. He was holding his head, and when I removed his hand there was blood gushing out.”

Harry, a footballer for Bispham Junior Football Federation under 9s, had attended the Championship fixture with his dad.

Both went to the toilets near the end of the game, and couldn’t get back to their seats due to the amount of spectators and then trouble flared up, fans were kicked out while Blackpool Gazette report that eight people were arrested for various offences including ‘being drunk and disorderly, assault and football-related offences’.

Jordan said: “We were shouting to the steward, trying to get some sort of medical help. He just shrugged his shoulders.

“The whole gangway was full of fans who could hardly move. There was a guy in front of me pushing people out of the way so we could get down into the paramedics’ room, and he was hit in the hand with a baton. The whole experience was just awful.”

Further violence was reported at the game, while before it, smoke bombs were thrown at police horses outside the ground.

Harry’s mum Wendy Slavin, 38, said: “Harry goes to all the Blackpool matches and he was so excited, and to have that happen to him, for him to come back in that state, I think it’s terrible. He’s pale, he’s shaken, he’s hurt. It should never have happened.

“I’m absolutely livid. Jordan was so upset too; he feels guilty that he couldn’t protect Harry and that he didn’t even know who did it to him.

“Harry’s had to miss school, and he’s meant to be playing in matches this weekend but he can’t do anything because he’s suffered a concussion. He’s quite upset about it.”

The incident was reported to Lancashire police.

A Preston North End spokesman said: “Whilst there were some isolated incidents we are satisfied that the game was policed and managed by ground safety to our total satisfaction, especially given the high risk nature of the fixture.”

Social media users reacted with Preston thugs to blame as the 8 year old Blackpool fan’s head ‘gushes with blood’ due to an object thrown…

@reecehutcho: Scum

@TonyFretwell: I repeat my tweet of yesterday. I won’t take my boys to away games. It’s ridiculous. @WeAreTheFSA please lobby for family and elderly sections in away ends. It wasn’t just Tuesday either, it’s been all season. All herded in together with people of very different intentions

@themightypooI: Jesus Christ

Samantha J Ibbitson: Whilst it’s disappointing the police didn’t handle it well I think the reality that grown adults feel this is an acceptable way to behave over a football game is the most astonishing bit!

Linzi Bibby: I hope you’re boy is ok. The policing at the end of the game was terrible I got injured too! X

David Jardine: Linzi Bibby I agree there, the police were a shambles at the end of the game, innocent people getting hurt threw there actions, totally unnecessary could of been easily avoided

Suzanne Tomlinson: Absolutely Shocking. a young kid was assaulted on their premises, and this is all the spokesman had to say… “A Preston North End spokesman said: “Whilst there were some isolated incidents we are satisfied that the game was policed and managed by ground safety to our total satisfaction, especially given the high risk nature of the fixture.” No well wishes, not even an apology to the young fan.. Infact they are totally satisfied that a child was assaulted.. Total satisfaction in the ground safety management that ignored the needs of a little boy with blood pouring out of his head.. 😮 And when did it become acceptable that going to watch a football game is a high risk activity?? Given the result you would of thought PNE. Fans would have been in good spirits. In my opinion the person responsible for injuring & scaring an 8 yr old, was not there to watch football match they were just there to cause trouble.. I hope they are found and punished for there irresponsible, thoughtless actions. Hopefully this will not deter Harry from supporting his Team!! Get well soon Kiddo 🙂

Jason Lee: Jesus this is just wrong, no fan, especially a kid should ever go to a match and end up hurt unprovoked, and needing medical attention

Smoke grenade thrown at police horses before PNE vs Blackpool matchhttps://t.co/GFBKiP5SLH

— Lancs Live (@LiveLancs) April 5, 2022