'Leeds made pair heroes for racists'

The family of Sarfraz Najeib today expressed their anguish and disappointment at the verdicts, condemning the football club for their inaction.

Speaking after the court's decision, Suresh Grover, spokesman for the family, said: "The result is a tremendous disappointment. Ever since this brutal, savage and racist attack the family have been through living hell. Sarfraz and his brother have not recovered from their injuries, both mentally and physically."

Referring to a "race hate campaign", he described how a family car had its tyres slashed while threats were made to relatives of the victim at a takeaway in Sheffield.

"The attack on Sarfraz was motivated by racism. We remain mystified as to why Sarfraz was not asked to repeat in court the racist threats made before he was punched," said Mr Grover.

"Sarfraz clearly remembers the words "do you want some Paki". It is this threat that made Sarfraz hit back and the Asian group ran for their lives. We also believe the ferocity of the attack and the animal bite inflicted on Sarfraz demonstrates utter contempt for Sarfraz's skin colour."

Mr Grover attacked Leeds United Football Club, accusing managers of lacking compassion and sympathy for the victim. The club's decision to continue fielding the players after the attack turned them into "cult heroes" for racists, he said.

Muhammad Najeib, the father of the victim - who declined to comment himself - added: "My son was punched to the ground and kicked in the head and left for dead. Every time he looks in the mirror it reminds him of how he was nearly murdered.

"Leeds United Football Club have shown no remorse or responsibility. The footballers should never have been in the public eye while they were being investigated. It sent out completely the wrong message."

The family also called for an investigation into the affair by the Football Association. They plan to meet lawyers and the Crown Prosecution Service to discuss possible civil actions against Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer. Woodgate declined to comment after the case. His legal team issued a short statement which extended his sympathies to the victim's family - something Bowyer failed to do.

Mr Grover said: "Sarfraz has been left shattered and is thinking of giving up his studies." His father and mother Zubaida, were delighted when he won a place on an information technology course at Leeds Metropolitan University in September 1999, as it meant he would not be far from the family home in Rotherham.

Now Sarfraz, 21, has been forced to resume his studies at a university, away from Leeds.

He has said: "I am always paranoid when I go out. I don't have much of a social life. When I go to university I always come straight back home."

He now prefers to stay alone in his bedroom because it makes him feel "more comfortable", he said, adding: "I used to be more outgoing but I am more irritable now. I prefer my own company."

In the attack in Leeds city centre he suffered a broken leg, broken nose and fractured cheekbone. Cuts to his eyebrow had to be glued together and a head wound needed 12 stitches.