Gang of 15 ‘stamped on’ British tourist’s head in horrifying Temple Bar assault

Exclusive: The three British lads were out in the city centre when they were attacked by a group of 15 men on Friday night

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One of the three British tourists attacked in Temple Bar was “kicked and stamped on” during the horrific ordeal.

The three lads were visiting Dublin with their team from the St John’s Sports Football Club in Aylesbury, England. They arrived in the capital on Friday morning to play against St Kevin’s Football Club in Santry.

Charlie Carter, Conor Vaughn, and Luke Cairney, all in their 20s, were out in Dublin city centre on Friday night when the terrifying incident occurred. Manager Scott Davis told Dublin Live: “Some guys on the street offered them cocaine, and our guys said no.”

Scott said the three chatted to the group but things suddenly turned aggressive. “The next thing, Luke was walking away from the situation and got hit in the back of his head with something. He had a gash in his head that had to be glued back together.

“He got hit and was knocked out straight away. He didn’t know where he was when he woke up while getting his head scanned at the hospital.

“Charlie was punched a couple of times and they broke his nose. Conor got the worst of it all.

“They were kicking him and stamping on his head. It was about 15 guys who attacked them.”

The trio were taken by ambulance to St James’s Hospital for treatment. Scott added: “I’m not sure if they’ll need further treatment.

“Charlie got his nose broken so that’ll probably have to get looked at.” Scott said that was the first the team had travelled abroad together.

He added: “It was our first time in Dublin as a team too.”

Charlie, Conor, and Luke flew home to the UK last night with another teammate. Scott said: “You know how the world works. This can happen anywhere and anytime.

“Unfortunately, this time it was us. I just didn’t realise it was going to be that bad.”

Although they weren’t able to go ahead with their match with St Kevin’s, Scott said he was grateful for their kindness and hospitality. He said: “They’ve been absolutely fantastic. They took us to their home pitch.

“They gave us a walk around. We went to their local bar and had food and drinks with them all afternoon.”

A garda spokesman said: “Gardai received a report of an incident of assault that occurred at approximately 10:05pm last night, Friday, August 11, 2023 on Fownes Street Upper, Dublin 2. Three men aged in their 20s were conveyed to St James’s Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained as a result of this incident.