Lewis Patching was signed from AFC Rushden & Diamonds, made his debut and was sacked, all in the space of 24 hours
A young English goalkeeper starred in what was possibly one of the worst debuts in the history of football. Lewis Patching, 22 years old, was signed on March 16, 2024 by AFC Rushden & Diamonds, which plays in the Northern Premier League, the equivalent of the English 7th division.
The young goalkeeper arrived on loan from Newport Pagnell Town FC on an emergency deal after AFC Rushden & Diamonds’ first-choice goalkeeper was injured.
On the same day he was hired, Patching made his debut for the new team, which did not go at all as planned, as they were defeated, at home, by Lye Town by 0-4. However, you would be mistaken if you think that conceding 4 goals on the very day he arrives at the club would be the worst thing that would happen to Patching that day.
Hours after the final whistle of the game, in a bar in Rushden, the city where AFC Rushden & Diamonds is located, the goalkeeper got involved in an argument with a fan of his new team, visibly irritated by his performance in the game.
Tempers flared and Patching headbutted the fan. Not even 24 hours had passed since his debut and AFC Rushden & Diamonds published a statement announcing that Lewis Patching had been sacked.
“AFC Rushden & Diamonds are aware of an incident in a bar between a first-team player and a fan following this afternoon’s defeat against Lye Town. The player in question had his registration with the club canceled with immediate effect and will no longer play for the club from now on,” the club wrote in the statement.
The player himself also reacted to the incident on social media where he apologized for what happened, also taking the opportunity to explain the context of the situation.
“Firstly, I want to apologize to the fans involved and AFC Rushden & Diamonds for the events on Saturday night,” the player began by writing. “After the game, a group of home fans started hurling insults. One of them confronted me directly, invading my personal space and shouting aggressively in my face. Fearing for my safety and with emotions running high, I reacted and I deeply regret it».
