Billericay Town midfielder Jack Evans has been left with ‘serious injuries’ after being the victim of an ‘unprovoked attack’ on New Year’s Eve, with the club issuing a statement
Non-league team Billericay Town have revealed that their player Jack Evans suffered serious injuries in an “unprovoked attack” on New Year’s Eve. The Isthmian League Premier Division club is backing a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the former Chatham Town captain, to help cover his medical costs as he requires private treatment.
The alleged incident on New Year’s Eve has left Evans unable to return to work, with a lengthy period away from his regular job expected. Since the assault, he has missed Billericay’s last two matches against Hashtag United and Burgess Hill Town.
So far, the fundraising campaign has raised £2,705 of its £6,000 target to support the 32-year-old’s recovery.
In a statement, the club confirmed: “Billericay Town FC can confirm that our player Jack Evans was the victim of an unprovoked attack on New Year’s Eve, resulting in serious injuries.
“Jack is receiving treatment and has the full support of everyone at the football club. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover private medical costs related to his recovery, should supporters wish to help. We wish Jack strength and a full recovery.”
The organiser of the GoFundMe campaign explained in the description: “This page has been set up to support Jack, who was a victim of an unprovoked attack on New Year’s Eve. As a result, he suffered serious facial injuries that will require private medical treatment.
“Sadly, the extent of Jack’s injuries means he has been unable to return to work since the incident and more recent news indicates that he is unlikely to be able to do so for the foreseeable future.
“Alongside the significant medical costs, this also means a considerable loss of income.
“We are asking, if possible, for people to come together to help Jack cover the cost of his treatment and to support him through this difficult period, and hopefully help towards the loss of earnings too.
“Jack has always been reluctant to set up a GoFundMe page, but given the impact this situation would have on anyone, we feel it’s important to step in and support him – just as he would do for others.
“Thank you so much for any support or donation. It is truly appreciated.”
Evans made his Football League bow at 18 in League Two for Gillingham back in 2011. He has since had stints at clubs including Tamworth, Sutton United and Maidstone United before enjoying a successful period with Chatham.
The midfielder joined Billericay over the summer and has appeared in 23 matches, scoring on three occasions.
One of his goals became a viral hit after he struck a sensational long-range volley that sparked comparisons to the legendary strike by Newcastle United icon Papiss Cisse against Chelsea.