Footballer blinded in bottle attack is set for £500k compensation after five-year battle
A compensation claim of £500,000 is set to be paid to a talented former youth footballer, who was partially-blinded in a bottle attack.
The player was just 16 when he was jumped by a gang of six as he walked his girlfriend home. Finally, after five years, his fight for compensation is close to success.
The personal injury record-breaking sum is expected after support from the Professional Footballers' Association Scotland.
Settlement is expected soon and it’s thought that the offer will top £500,000 to cover loss of earnings and injuries.
The player said: “I have been waiting for almost five years for the compensation to be settled. I gave football a try again but anytime I went to kick the ball it don’t seem to be in the right place. My balance had been totally affected. My dreams of being a pro are ruined,” said the player.
The player’s injury lawyer said: “Negotiations are at an advanced stage in this very sad case and we are extremely hopeful a deal will be forthcoming which properly reflects what this young man has gone through.
“He lost his career that night. He’s had everything taken from him through no fault of his own.”
The player who has eight standard grades, three Higher and a degree in sports development, at present is on a salary of £8,000 a year, working for a car recovery firm.
Updated on 15/02/2010