British Footballer's Parents Make Desperate Plea To Fly To Australia Following Sickening Assault On Son

The Australian football community has rallied behind Danny Hodgson as he clings to life in hospital.

The British footballer, who plies his trade in Western Australia's National Premier League, is currently in an induced coma following a shocking assault.

25-year-old Hodgson was out in Perth's CBD celebrating the end of the season with his ECU Joondalup teammates when he was allegedly attacked from behind while walking to a train station.

After taking blunt force to the back of the head, Hodgson was knocked unconscious and needed medical assistance right away.

He was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition and doctors performed emergency surgery upon his arrival.

But despite going under the knife, Hodgson's condition rapidly deteriorated and he was ultimately placed in an induced coma.

But while Hodgson is continuing to fight for his life in a hospital bed, his UK-based family are desperately trying to get over to Australia to be by his side.

It's understood his parents have been granted a three-month visa and an exemption against the compulsory quarantine once they touch down.

Despite all that, it seems they're still unable to secure seats on a flight though.

With her options running out, Hodgson's mother Nicola was forced to make a heartbreaking plea on Facebook, asking for social media users to help them locate an airline offering two last-minute plane tickets to Australia.

"Danny had emergency surgery in Royal Perth Hospital for bleeding to the brain and a brain fracture," she wrote.

"Danny took a turn for the worse the following day due to more severe brain haemorrhaging and was rushed to theatre for more intrusive brain surgery that lasted for four hours.

"Danny is currently in an induced coma that could last for weeks or even months.

"We are obviously distraught with what's happened to our son and are trying desperately to fly to Perth to be by his bedside.

"We are desperate to be with Danny by his bedside that's why we are reaching out to everyone on social media to see If there is anyone out there whether there in the airline industry, MP or someone who has been in a similar situation that can offer some possible advice or can help then please reach out to us as we need to be with him.

"Danny is full of life and has a heart of gold, he is the most kind, gentle and positive person I know who has a passion for life and football."

Incredibly, Nicola's post drew an instant reaction from people within the global football community and has now been shared well over 7,000 times.

Manchester City goalkeeper and ex-England No.1 Scott Carson was one of the first to share the post on Twitter.

"Surely someone can help find this family 2 seats to Australia, I couldn't imagine being in this situation as a parent," he tweeted.

Former Perth Glory manager Kenny Lowe, who now coaches Hodgson at ECU Joondalup, went on the radio to discuss the awful situation as well as urge people to help out where they can.

"He's a top bloke. I've got kids the same age as him," Lowe told 6PR.

"What's happened - I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I can't imagine what it's doing to his family being so far away.

"The big focus for us is Danny, and to get his parents out here. Surely there's someone out there that can help."

According to local police, a 15-year-old has since been arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm.

The boy is due to appear in Perth Children's Court on September 22.

"It will be alleged around 1.55am, the victim (man in his 20s) was walking near the Perth Train Station, when he was approached by the accused," Western Australia Police said in a statement.

"It will be alleged, without warning, the accused punched the victim in the head, causing the victim to fall backwards.

"The accused allegedly fled the scene without attempting to render assistance to the victim."

Football fans in Australia have sent messages of support to Hodgson as he continues his battle for survival.

By all accounts, he is one of the National Premier League's top prospects and was the Golden Boot winner last year.

Let's pray he makes a speedy recovery

Topics: Football News, Football, Assault, Social Media, Australia, Flights

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry