Football fan Simon Dobbin, who was left severely injured and brain-damaged after being attacked by 12 men, has died five years after the assault.
Cambridge United supporter Dobbin was left paralyzed and unable to walk or talk after he was set upon by the thugs after attending an away match at Southend, Essex in 2015.
The club announced the news of his death on Wednesday via Twitter.
“It is with a heavy heart that Cambridge United can confirm we have received the devastating news that Simon Dobbin sadly passed away at home this morning.
“Sweet dreams Simon. Forever a U. The thoughts of everybody at Cambridge United are with his wife Nicole, daughter Emily and his closest family and friends.
“We ask supporters to leave their messages of condolence for Simon’s family at this difficult time.
“Rest in Peace Simon.”
It is with a heavy heart that Cambridge United can confirm we have received the devastating news that Simon Dobbin sadly passed away at home this morning. Sweet dreams Simon. Forever a U ? ? pic.twitter.com/mNB5wlaBJP
The thoughts of everybody at @CambridgeUtdFC are with his wife Nicole, daughter Emily and his closest family & friends.We ask supporters to leave their messages of condolence for Simon’s family at this difficult time.Rest in Peace Simon. pic.twitter.com/NTRxPfzcwn
Simon’s wife, Nicole, said he died in his sleep on Wednesday morning and that his death came as a shock to both her and their daughter Emily, as he had been “his usual self, laughing and smiling the day before.”
“RIP Simon” began trending on Twitter in the UK soon after as tributes poured in for the 48-year-old, a number of which were retweeted by Cambridge.
Very sad newsSimon Dobbin was left with brain damage after being attacked following a match in Southend, in 2015. Twelve men were jailed over the assault. He sadly passed away this morning?My thoughts as I am sure all yours are, are with his friends and family RIP Simon pic.twitter.com/ys7NXRjgpr
Not a Cambridge fan, but living in the area I’ve followed this story from when I first read about the dreadful attack. No one should go to a football match and have their life shattered in this way. Really tragic news – my thoughts are with Simon’s family and friends. RIP Simon
Several clubs also responded to the news, including Bristol City, Northampton Town and Leyton Orient.
Last year, Nicole Dobbin set up a petition for “Simon’s Law,” calling for those convicted of violent public disorder – which carries a maximum jail sentence of five years – to have to contribute lifelong payments to the National Health Service.
“My husband Simon Dobbin, was attacked by 12 thugs on March 21st 2015,” she wrote in the petition. “This was an unprovoked attack that lasted 90 seconds, he was stomped on repeatedly. He suffered a cardiac arrest, it took paramedics seven minutes to restart his heart Simon now has hypoxic brain damage, he is unable to walk, talk or move independently, he is fed via a tube, he has a tracheostomy and needs round the clock care.”
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said the idea wasn’t practical after meeting with her to discuss the idea, but he said he would look at the jail terms for such convictions.
At the time of writing the petition has more than 49,000 signatures, with new signatures incoming following news of Simon’s death.
