Soccer players attacked

TWO players from one of the country’s leading soccer clubs were hospitalised in the early hours of yesterday morning after they were set upon and robbed by a gang of youths, including two girls.

The two Waterford United players needed treatment after the vicious attack which gardaí said appears to have been random.

Midfielder Ross Cosgrave, 19, from Tipperary, and 17-year-old striker Joe Wilson from Wexford both figured prominently in Waterford’s promotion to Division One this season.

The players were walking towards their apartment in Poleberry in the city shortly after 9pm on Thursday night when the attack occurred.

The players were set upon by four youths and two girls and were badly beaten about the face and head. The gang escaped with a mobile phone belonging to one of the players.

The other managed to hold on to his and called for help.

Six people were arrested near the scene within minutes.

One of the players contacted team manager, Jimmy McGeough, who rushed them to Waterford Regional Hospital, where they were detained for some hours for treatment before being allowed home.

A garda spokesman said it seemed like a random attack and robbery was not the motive.

The assailants didn’t appear to know the two footballers.

He added that charges are likely to follow.

The extent of the injuries and trauma is likely to deprive the two players of a chance to play in next Sunday’s final, celebratory league tie against Limerick.

Waterford United chairman Gerry O’Brien said the club condemned the attack which came during what should have been a celebratory week for the players.