Melsy - One step
Well-Known Member
Michael Cockerill - SMH
Sydney FC stalwart Robbie Middleby this afternoon confirmed he was attacked by two fans in the Sydney Football Stadium car park after last weekend's match against Wellington Phoenix - saying only the arrival of his wife, Melissa, on the scene, prevented him from being badly hurt.
"If my wife hadn't turned up, something serious could have happened, but these blokes didn't want to stop," Middleby said.
"I've ummed and aaahed about saying anything since it happened, but the more I've thought about it, the more I've thought these blokes can't be allowed to get away with it. Other people shouldn't be thinking in future they can do this sort of thing, and nothing will happen. Never in my career have I experienced anything like this. It's a disgrace."
Middleby was assaulted by two fans wearing Sydney FC scarves around their heads and faces. The 33-year-old foundation player is leaving the club after four seasons to join North Queensland Fury next season, which seems to have been the cause of the attack.
"I was just walking along, and then I hear a guy saying 'You're f--king leaving us are you Middleby? He must have jumped out from behind a car. His mate just stood there, and he kneed me and starting throwing punches. I tried to back off, but then my wife - who was waiting at the car but saw what was happening - came running over saying 'leave him alone'. The guy turned towards her, and I thought he was going to attack her, so I threw a punch or two, and then my mate, who was also at the car, came over as well. That's when the two of them ran off."
The club has since been reviewing security footage to try and identify the culprits, while members of Sydney's main supporters group, 'The Cove', have also been asked for assistance.
Sydney FC stalwart Robbie Middleby this afternoon confirmed he was attacked by two fans in the Sydney Football Stadium car park after last weekend's match against Wellington Phoenix - saying only the arrival of his wife, Melissa, on the scene, prevented him from being badly hurt.
"If my wife hadn't turned up, something serious could have happened, but these blokes didn't want to stop," Middleby said.
"I've ummed and aaahed about saying anything since it happened, but the more I've thought about it, the more I've thought these blokes can't be allowed to get away with it. Other people shouldn't be thinking in future they can do this sort of thing, and nothing will happen. Never in my career have I experienced anything like this. It's a disgrace."
Middleby was assaulted by two fans wearing Sydney FC scarves around their heads and faces. The 33-year-old foundation player is leaving the club after four seasons to join North Queensland Fury next season, which seems to have been the cause of the attack.
"I was just walking along, and then I hear a guy saying 'You're f--king leaving us are you Middleby? He must have jumped out from behind a car. His mate just stood there, and he kneed me and starting throwing punches. I tried to back off, but then my wife - who was waiting at the car but saw what was happening - came running over saying 'leave him alone'. The guy turned towards her, and I thought he was going to attack her, so I threw a punch or two, and then my mate, who was also at the car, came over as well. That's when the two of them ran off."
The club has since been reviewing security footage to try and identify the culprits, while members of Sydney's main supporters group, 'The Cove', have also been asked for assistance.
