Matthew Syron was blinded when he was the victim of an unprovoked attack in a Leeds night club
Former Leeds Rhino player Matthew Syron has started a petition to ban the use of glass in nightclubs following a life changing glass attack that left him unable to see.
And now, following his horrendous ordeal, Matthew has set up a petition to ban glass from nightclubs and bars in the UK after 9pm to prevent violent glass attacks like the one he was victim to. The petition reads: "In the early hours of Wednesday 27th December whilst enjoying Boxing Day celebrations in Revolucion De Cuba Leeds, Matthew Syron had just walked back from the bathroom to meet his friends at the bar when he was brutality attacked from behind, by a man with a glass bottle that blinded him instantly.
"Matthew spent four weeks in hospital learning how to navigate his new way of life following the disabling and unprovoked attack. The barbaric attack has not only impacted Matthew’s life but that of his family, friends and the community surrounding him both here in the UK and Australia. The ripple effect of such a heinous crime is unmeasurable and both the mental and physical implications have torn through the lives of all associated.
"For change to happen there are a number of ways this could be done. A focus to improve CCTV and introduce an industry standard. Ensure venues have the appropriate ratio of door staff to manage the capacity, strict ID processes, the introduction/use of body scanners detecting weapons upon entry and arguably the most important, the removal of glass from service after 9pm for late licensing venues. Alternatives to glass are in development.