Leeds Rhinos issue supportive statement after former player is victim of horrific attack

Leeds Rhinos have issued a statement of support for former academy player Matty Syron after he was the victim of a horrific attack.

The club took to X to make the following statement: “Wishing our former academy player Matty Syron all the best as he recovers from this horrific attack.”

Syron came through the Rhinos academy at the same time as former Wigan Warriors and current Salford Red Devils star Brad Singleton and former Hull KR, Warrington Wolves and current Leigh Leopards prop Rob Mulhern.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, on December 27th Syron was hit with a glass in Revolucion de Cuba, Call Lane. His 32-year-old brother Tom told the Yorkshire Evening Post that he was “instantly blinded” leaving the whole family “heartbroken.”

This is an awful way for Syron’s festive period to end and the thoughts of everyone at Serious Rugby League go to him and his family at this difficult time.

Many fans have issued their support for Syron on social media with others calling for the RFL’s brilliant charity Rugby League Cares should get involved which they surely will as they have with former Leeds players Dom Crosby and Stevie Ward since retirement.

Recently former Leeds Rhinos star and Hull FC legend Gareth Ellis joined the charity. The former Wakefield Trinity and Wests Tigers forward left his post at Hull FC to join the charity and they will surely be supportive of Syron at this time.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Syron was over in the UK from his home in Australia on a two week holiday to see his family and friends before the attack occurred at 12:30 am in the morning.

His brother told the publication that Matthew now faces major surgeries and there is sadly no guarantee that he will regain his sight.

Leeds District CID have begun an investigation and according to the Yorkshire Evening Post a 37-year-old man has been arrested.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting crime reference 13230710625, or online via the Live Chat.