Rovers fan 'kicked unconscious'

And student Martin Jeffers is planning to complain to the chief constable of Northumbria amid claims that police failed to do anything about the attack.

Martin, 21, from Meadow Vale, Ewood, Blackburn, said he was walking away from St James' Park following the FA Cup game when he was set upon by around six men.

He was knocked to the ground and kicked unconscious before being taken to hospital for treatment.

Matthew and his family are furious and claim the police outside the ground refused to take any action even though they were told what was happening.

He said: "We were kept in the ground for 15 minutes but when we were let out the Newcastle fans were waiting for us outside.

"I was attacked but didn't know anything about it until afterwards.

"I have got lumps all over my head and I have been feeling really bad ever since I was attacked."

Martin was with his cousin, Daniel Hoyle, who said he went to a policeman to ask for help. According to Martin, the policeman refused to take any action even though the men who carried out the attack were still at the scene.

Martin's stepfather, Matt Hesketh, said: "I went to Newcastle a few years ago and their fans attacked us when we came out of the ground.

"We have been to lots of grounds across the country but Newcastle is the only place where we have been attacked. It is like running the gauntlet when you come out of the ground and it is much worse than anywhere else I have been."

The police have told the family if they want to take further action they will have to make a formal complaint.

Martin Jeffers is now planning to write to the chief constable of Northumbria.

Northumbria police said they were aware of the incident and were waiting for Martin to make a formal complaint and give them information before they take further action.

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