After a Hearts game, a father was beaten outside a hotel, resulting in a “life-changing” brain injury.

In a preseason friendly on Saturday, July 27, John Forsyth, 57, of Tranent, East Lothian, had come to the Blackpool with his daughter to watch the Edinburgh team play Fleetwood. However, the father of two was gravely hurt in an unprovoked assault outside The Shores hotel when he allegedly attempted to break up a fight between some males.

After being taken to the hospital, John was put into an induced coma. His severe head injuries are still being treated by medics after 14 weeks.

Through Lancashire Police, his family has now issued a statement asking for witnesses to assist in identifying the persons who assaulted him.

They stated: “John suffered a severe brain injury as a result of an unprovoked attack while on vacation with his daughter, something they have done numerous times previously.

“John was usually busy before the incident, operated his own company, and coached kids’ football in his neighbourhood. All of this has been affected by a random assault that has left him with permanent injuries.

The unplanned nature of the attack and the fallout from his injuries have had a significant impact on John’s wife, daughter, son, as well as his larger family and friends.

“John is currently in rehab, but fortunately, his prior medical issues seem to have subsided. He is still in the hospital.

He is also more conscious of what occurred now, and he and his family are searching for someone to take responsibility for what happened to him. This has had a big impact on his life and will continue to do so.

“John and the family are asking anyone with any information to help identify the individuals involved to come forward in the hopes that this won’t happen to anyone else because this could have been anyone’s father, son, uncle, or friend.”

On suspicion of wounding with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, investigators have questioned six men in their 30s and one guy in his 20s. According to the police, they are still looking for information and conducting investigations.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the attack to get in touch with them. Supporters of Sunderland were also there at the beach resort that weekend to watch their team play Blackpool, and police would like to speak with anyone who had previously visited Happy Scots Bar.

“John was put in an induced coma after being severely beaten and jumped by football’supporters,’ resulting in severe brain injuries,” a buddy said on the Jambos Kickback site. He was thereafter described as stable. One of the calmest, most relaxed men I’ve ever encountered is John.Get better soon, friend.

An additional buddy added: “When I heard of John’s death, I was utterly taken aback. He is the kindest man in the world, as everyone says. It was an entirely unprovoked incident that also broke the nose of his daughter’s boyfriend. John, you have the warmest wishes from Prestonpans Hearts for a quick recovery.