A CAMBRIDGE United football fan is on a life support machine in Southend Hospital following a brutal attack on him which left him in a coma with brain damage.

Simon Dobbin, 41, from Mildenhall, Suffolk, was attacked by a group of men while making his way to Prittlewell train station more than two hours after Saturday’s game at Roots Hall finished.

The incident occurred in East Street, Southend, near the Railway Tavern, with police arresting two men on suspicion of GBH following the fracas.

A fundraising site has been set up by Mr Dobbin’s friends to help towards the cost of transport and accommodation for his family, who are travelling to and from Suffolk to see him.

Fay Meen, who set up the page, commented on the site: “Huge thank you to everyone donating. His wife and children are truly overwhelmed with everyone’s kindness and generosity, you are all fabulous.

“They took him off the ventilator on Tuesday, but he is showing no response so they have had to put him back on life-support. Continue to pray you amazing people. Thanks again from all his family x”

More than £5,000 has already been raised through the site, on which Mr Dobbin is described as “a loving gentle giant who is a father, husband, son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, son-inlaw, grand-dad and a top friend”.

A charity football match has also been organised to raise further funds for the family.

The event will take place on Sunday at Mildenhall Town Football Club, Suffolk, from noon to 3pm.

Daniel Herrera has helped organise the match, which will see T-shirts on sale for £10 and collection buckets on the gate.

He wrote on Facebook: “After the tragic and horrific events earlier in the week this game is to give back to Simon and his family some of what was taken by the darker side of the beautiful game.”

To donate to the fund visit youcaring.com/emergencyfundraiser/ help-support-thefamily- and-simon-himself- /326399

Police had bigger presence

THE brawl that led to Simon Dobbin sustaining his serious head injuries happened despite police having a larger than normal presence at the game.

Southend United and police were working together to combat the risk of a small risk group of fans thought to have been travelling down to the game from Cambridge.

A video has emerged on YouTube of minor crowd unrest in Victoria Avenue on Saturday, with police forced into controlling rival fans.

Chief Insp Simon Anslow, Southend district commander, said: “We received prior information there was the potential for a dispute between Cambridge and Southend fans.

“However, we did not have specific intelligence to suggest when or where any disorder might occur.

“As a result of the information we received, we allocated additional policing resources for the match, which were utilised to deal with the violence that did occur.”

Two men were arrested on Saturday evening on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

A 23-year-old from Westcliff was bailed until May 27, and a 33-year-old from Southend has now been bailed until the same date.

Donation appeal site comments

Comments left on the Simon Dobbin donation page include:

Hang in there, get back on parade soon

GUY TICEHURST

Was shocked to hear of this attack on such a kind man my heart goes out to his family and friends you are in our prayers xx thinking of you all xx

HEIDI SAYLES

Thinking of you all at this time. I hope Simon will improve a little everyday.X

JOY BUSH MARR

Fay can’t believe this has happened. I was with Simon at the football then left him and his mate GEMMA CADE

Absolutely disgusting in this day and age, pull through and hope you make a complete recovery Simon – hopefully karma will get those responsible

SEAN FITZGERALD

Horrified hearing what has happened to Simon, our very best wishes for a speedy recovery, much love to all his family at such an awful time xxx

BUD CHAPMAN