Football Coach Knocked Out During Ball Row

A football coach was punched unconscious and suffered a double fracture to his jaw after youths in a west London park failed to return a ball he lent them.

The coach was happy to loan the group a ball to play with in Eel Brook Common, Fulham on October 2, last year, but trouble flared when they left with it.

Police have released this CCTV image of two suspects, believed to be part of an older group of males, who knew the youths and attacked the coach.

After lending the ball at approximately 7.40pm the coach followed the teenagers to retrieve it.

A second group, who knew the teens, arrived at the location and became involved in a confrontation with the victim.

One man punched the coach, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground, knocking him unconscious. 

The group fled the scene in the direction of Fulham Broadway.

Police were called and he was taken to hospital with a head injury. 

He suffered a two fractures in his jaw and required surgery. 

He has since been discharged.

Detective Constable Zachery Donohoe, from the Central West Command Unit, said: "This was a shocking and unprovoked attack and the victim continues to recover from his horrific injuries. 

“I would urge anybody who recognises the man in these images to contact us immediately."

There have been no arrests.

If you have information that can help police tweet @MetCC or call 101 quoting CAD 6761/02OCT20.

To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.