A RUGBY fan is fighting for his life after being set upon by rival fans following a rugby match at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

David Singer, a Halifax fan, and his friend were attacked as they walked towards the coach park on Dallam Lane, where their coach was parked. The 32-year-old had been to see the Championship triumph over Featherstone Rovers with his mum and dad and some friends.

Police say his parents are ‘devastated’ by the attack and have been holding a vigil by his bedside since.

The pair had just seen their team triumph against Featherstone Rovers, when they were attacked at 8.15pm on Sunday.

At least two men were in the group according to detectives.

Mr Singer suffered serious head injuries, which required emergency surgery. He remains in a critical condition at the Walton Neurology centre in Liverpool.

Mr Singer works for the West Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

DI Steve Jones, from the major incident team at Cheshire Police, said: “This was a vicious assault that has left a man in a very serious condition. Fortunately incidents like this are extremely rare at rugby matches, which are usually peaceful events for all the family to enjoy.

“I believe that many people may have witnessed this attack as the coach park would have been very busy at the time. I would therefore call on the fans who were leaving the match on Sunday to cast their minds back, and if they saw anything which could help us, then please come forward immediately.”

"I firmly believe the information we need lies with the fans.

"It is very rare for such an attack to take place following a rugby match, and the majority of fans have come to enjoy the game.

"Yet we have a supporter lying in a hospital bed.

"My appeal is to all rugby fans - it does not matter which club you support - to consider if you can help us identify who is responsible for the attack which has left a fellow rugby fan lying unconscious in a hospital bed.

"I know that there are people out there who will know who is responsible, or will have strong suspicions. It is vital that you call us.

"This is not what rugby is about."

Police believe there is a strong indication that the offenders were Featherstone fans and got onto one of the team’s supporters coaches.

Anyone with information should call the police on 0845 458 0000 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.