FOOTBALLER Jordan Sinnott is on life support in hospital after being assaulted in the early hours of this morning.
The midfielder, 25, suffered a suspected fractured skull in the 2am attack in Retford, Notts.
Nottinghamshire Police confirmed the assault after Jordan’s ex-club Halifax Town falsely announced his tragic death this afternoon.
Cops said Jordan was found unconscious in the town’s Market Place at 2am, following a pub car park brawl involving eight men and a woman at 11.25pm on Friday.
Police said: “Officers were later called to assist ambulance crews who were attempting to treat Mr Sinnott after he was found unconscious with a suspected fractured skull following a subsequent incident at around 2am in the town’s Market Place.
“He remains in hospital where he is continuing to be treated for life-threatening injuries.”
A man, aged 44, suffered a suspected broken jaw in the two linked attacks and a 27-year-old had his nose broken.
A suspect aged 27 was arrested in relation to both incidents.
Sinnott, 25, is currently on loan at Matlock Town from National League North side Alfreton Town.
Both clubs cancelled their matches today at short notice “due to unforeseen and tragic circumstances.”
His former club Halifax Town announced Jordan had died, but later withdrew the statement.
They replaced it with police confirmation that he was still alive, adding: “Hopefully he’ll pull through”.
Friends on social media said he was being treated in intensive care today.
A family friend wrote on Facebook: “Just to let the football family know that, despite news to the contrary, Jordan Sinnott has not passed away.
“He is currently very poorly in hospital and is fighting. Come on Jordan keep fighting. Prayers required please.”
Jordan, who also played for Chesterfield and Huddersfield, is the son of Lee Sinnott who captained the Terriers and went on to make 500 Football League appearances.
Jordan joined Altrincham in 2015 after leaving Huddersfield the same year, and had a prior loan spell at Bury.
He also played for Halifax and Chesterfield before joining Alfreton in 2018.
As tributes were made online, both Alfreton and Matlock postponed their games due to “tragic and unforeseen circumstances.”
Alfreton were due to play Gateshead at home in a National League North game.
Matlock also cancelled their BetVictor Northern Premier Division clash against local side Mickleover Sports.
Ex-club Huddersfield, where Sinnott began his career in 2012, wrote online: “Everyone at Huddersfield Town is devasted to hear of the loss of #htafc Academy graduate Jordan Sinnott.
“Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this tragic time.”
Detective Inspector Justine Wilson from Nottinghamshire Police said: “I would ask that the public are mindful of the impact that comments made on social media could have on both the families of those involved and on what remains a live criminal investigation into a very serious assault.
“Our detectives are continuing their enquiries to understand how three men came to sustain their injuries.
“This incident happened at a very busy time and we believe there are still a number of witnesses who have still not come forward.”