Former Rhino youngster fighting for law change after horrific attack

Former Leeds Rhinos Academy player Matty Syron has launched an online petition to bring about change to the law after being the victim of a horrific attack on Boxing Day in Leeds. 

Syron was in a Leeds city centre bar when he was brutality attacked from behind, by a man with a glass bottle that blinded him instantly. Matthew was visiting family and friends for Christmas here in the UK as both his brothers’ welcomed sons in November 2023. He was only due to be in the UK for two weeks before returning home to Australia to his fiancé and young family. 

Matthew was immediately rushed to St James Hospital and underwent emergency surgery on both eyes. Since the surgery Matthew has had two operations with further operations expected. His left eye cannot be operated on for 9-12 months due to the severity of his injuries. Matthew faces a lengthy rehabilitation process with no guarantees. Matthew spent four weeks in hospital learning how to navigate his new way of life following the disabling and unprovoked attack. 

The barbaric attack has not only impacted Matthew’s life but that of his family, friends and the community surrounding him both here in the UK and Australia. The ripple effect of such a heinous crime is unmeasurable and both the mental and physical implications have torn through the lives of all associated. 

Even through the circumstances are traumatic Matthew feels passionate about helping affect change within the UKs nightlife and licensing laws. In Australia glass is banned after 9pm and where there has been identified hot spots even earlier. They also have strict ID rules. The outpouring of support from the public has been truly astonishing, as well as well wishes there has been a disturbing amount of people sharing their own grief and experiences on social media. A glass or a bottle can easily be transformed into a weapon causing harrowing and life changing injuries. Glass is a weapon readily available. 

You can give your support to Matty's campaign by simply adding your name and email address as a supporter here https://chng.it/H7VwyKND62

 If you want to support Matty with his medical costs, a Go Fund page has been set up to support him and his family here https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-our-ironman-matthew-james-syron