It saddens and enrages me that I need to inform you of a serious assault resulting in hospitalisation, inflicted upon our young gifted and immensely popular player Billie Busari. The unprovoked and callous attack took place close to Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth in the early afternoon and therefore broad daylight on Friday 22nd July. It’s appropriate with a police investigation in progress that we refrain from infinite detail save to say that Billie’s injuries warranted surgery.

Two assailants one carrying a knife and with allegedly a pit bull terrier in tow inflicted wounds to Billie and damage to his car. Mindless thugs in a cowardly attack on one of the nicest young men you could wish to meet. Billie is currently studying for an electronics degree at Portsmouth University and as we all know is progressing a promising football career destined to go higher in the ranks.

Billie is back home in London along with his family as you can imagine all fairly traumatised by events and not feeling too disposed on him returning to Portsmouth or Gosport FC and who can blame them. Can I encourage you to reach out to Billie and his family by using any of the GBFC social media facilities to both wish Billie a speedy recovery whilst demonstrating that his experience is so out of kilter with the inbuilt hospitable nature of our city and its supporters.

Meantime we are working with all authorities committed to finding (find them we will) and bringing to book these despicable delinquents. The club has made a substantial donation to Crimewatchers and whilst we consider the value of posting a reward for any information leading to the arrest of the assailants.

Good luck and be safe.