The football community in the North is united in concern for a young player after he was assaulted on Saturday.
Niall Grace, who plays for the semi-professional Institute football club in the Northern Ireland Football League Championship, was seriously hurt in the incident and is in a criticial condition in Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Niall Grace as he is critically ill in hospital after being assaulted in the city centre last night.
— Institute F.C. (@Institute_FC) September 11, 2016
Disturbing news that Niall Grace is in a critical condition after an incident in the city centre. All @ the club is praying he pulls through
— Institute F.C. (@Institute_FC) September 11, 2016
A man in his 20s was arrested in connection with the assault shortly afterwards and is due in court today.
22yo man due in L'Derry Mag Court tomorrow charged with GBH with intent following serious assault in Waterloo St early this morning.
— PSNI Foyle (@PSNIFoyle) September 11, 2016
Other clubs have shared messages of support for the player and his club
Our thoughts are with Niall Grace and the wider @Institute_FC family and hope Niall makes a full and speedy recovery from his injuries.
— HW Welders FC (@WeldersFC) September 11, 2016
Our thoughts are with Niall Grace and all those at @Institute_FC
— Glenavon FC (@Glenavon_FC) September 11, 2016
We hope Niall makes a full and speedy recovery.
Our thoughts and prayers are with @Institute_FC player Niall Grace who is in hospital in a critical condition
— OfficialNIFL (@OfficialNIFL) September 11, 2016
