Former Crewe Alexandra footballer Ryan Colclough knocked a man unconscious in a pub toilet. The 31-year-old, who also played for Wigan Athletic and Chesterfield, wept via video link from HMP Nottingham upon learning his sentence would be suspended.
Details of the Attack
Colclough attacked the victim in the Red Lion pub, in Church Street, Brimington, Chesterfield, on January 27, 2024. He had travelled to the pub with his partner and another couple and had not consumed any alcohol. The victim, a father, suffered severe facial injuries, leaving his nine-year-old son unable to look at him for two weeks.
In an impact statement, the victim said: "I was the victim of a selfish attack by someone with an inflated ego due to his position as a professional footballer. This incident has ruined my faith in people. The attack was carried out by someone who is used to people showing him adulation."
Court Proceedings
Colclough denied the charge but was found guilty of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm after a trial at Derby Crown Court. Prosecutor Abigail Joyce stated that the victim was enjoying his first evening out while recovering from a fractured back when Colclough struck him with considerable force, leaving bruising and two nasty wounds to his face.
Judge Jonathan Straw sentenced Colclough to 28 months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered him to pay £1,000 compensation. The judge said: "I hope you now realise that on that night your behaviour in the toilets of the pub was violent, grotesque, uncalled for, and unnecessary. You have an extremely short fuse... But having read and reflected on everything I am not going to keep you in custody any longer."
Colclough's barrister informed the court that the 48 days his client spent in custody had a "salutary effect" on him.
Football Career
Colclough, originally from Burslem, Stoke, began his career with Crewe Alexandra in 2012, making 60 appearances. He moved to Wigan Athletic in 2016 and had a loan spell at Milton Keynes Dons. He then played for Scunthorpe United in 2018 and Altrincham in 2020, scoring 26 goals in 91 appearances. Chesterfield signed him in 2023, where he made 89 appearances and scored 17 goals. His contract was terminated by mutual consent in August 2025. In September 2025, he joined AFC Fylde on a two-year deal but left in January 2026.
