HUDDERSFIELD Town fans saw a vicious pub attack which left a father-of-three maimed for life.
The fans, who had travelled to Sunderland, were in a pub when 30-year-old Frank Stephenson was attacked and lost an eye as a result.
Now, his family and the police have made an urgent plea for the fans to come forward.
The attack happened in the Wheatsheaf pub, near the Stadium of Light.
Just over 1,000 Town fans had travelled to see Town's Carling Cup victory on Tuesday, September 23.
Det Sgt Chris Sybenga, of Sunderland CID, said: "I want to stress that no Town fans were involved in what happened in the pub and this incident was not football-related.
"We have arrested four men, who have been released on police bail pending further inquiries."
He added: "The attack happened at about 7pm and we know for certain that Town fans were in the pub. One was playing pool at the time.
"This was a very serious incident and it is vital they come forward and talk to us."
Det Sgt Sybenga said the pub was busy and the landlord also suffered head injuries during the fracas. He needed stitches to one wound.
Mr Stephenson, of Sunderland, lost an eye and has been left partially- sighted in the other.
His sister, Leanne, made a direct plea to the Town fans. "Just imagine if this had happened to your brother," she said.
"The surgeons had to remove the eye that was badly damaged. If an infection had set in, he would have been totally blind in both.
"As it is, his other eye has blurred vision, but we hope that will improve."
She added: "Frank is having bad headaches and just didn't want to speak to anyone when he came out of hospital.
"He is now starting to talk to his family again, which is a good sign. But it is going to take a long time for him to come to terms with what's happened."
Phone Det Sgt Sybenga on 0191 454 7555, extension 66143.
