Two South African cricketers beaten brutally by thugs in UK

A couple of South African cricketers who play for Shaw Cricket Club were beaten brutally by thugs on the Yorkshire Street in the early hours of July 27. Justin Watson, aged 20, and Marques Ackerman, aged 22, were attacked by a gang of seven men when the duo was returning from a night out after leaving Liquid and Envy nightclub. While the former’s jaw has been fractured, Marques is left unconscious after being hit on his head.

The club is in shock after the attack on their two impact overseas players and the captain has condemned the brutal attack. Justin has been ruled out for the rest of the season now and his future prospects are also in danger due to the injury he has sustained while his partner Marques is slowly recovering and might play again.

Repeatedly hit on the face

The captain and the acting chairman of Mark Lane club, Steve Whiston,  informed the Oldham Times about the attack while saying that a group of seven men badly beat the South African players when they were returning home. Watson was repeatedly punched on his face and head by the three of the gang members. There are two fractures to his jaw now which has been dislocated.

He’s been transferred from Royal Oldham Hospital to a specialist facial unit at North Manchester General where he will have surgery. A plate will be inserted in his jaw and have it repositioned. Marques, on the other hand, was left unconscious after being knocked on the head. Though he has left the hospital now, Ackerman is suffering from a severe concussion.

Steve was distraught after the attack and went on to say that the cricketers are very disappointed. “The lads have loved being here and have had a great experience during their time here. Unfortunately, that’s been destroyed by some absolute idiots,” he said.

“Justin was here to hopefully be signed by a county and earn a deal. His season is over and he’s going to miss out on his trials. He’s sad and very disappointed. Marques is very upset. He’s been to the UK twice before with the under 19s and when he was 16 and he’s never experienced anything like this before,” he added.

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