Rugby player left with severe injuries following ‘homophobic attack’ in Dublin

Queer icon Boy George and Irish politician Leo Varadkar were among those sending support on social media after a man was brutally attacked in Dublin’s city centre.

23-year-old Rugby player Evan Somers said he was assaulted on Dame Street, Dublin and left with a fractured eye socket, a dislocated ankle and other injuries in the early hours of Sunday morning (10 April).

The incident took place near Dublin’s only LGBTQ nightclub, The George, at around 3.30am, where Evan was approached on Dame Street, called a ‘fa**ot’ and then severely beaten. 

Taking to Twitter on Sunday night, Somers said: “Last night a stranger called me a f***ot before beating the shit out of me.”

Adding: “He left me with a fractured eye socket, 2 fractures in my ankle, a dislocation in my ankle & some other minor injuries. We’ve come a long way but still have such a long way to go in terms of equality.”

Singer Boy George retweeted the post, helping give it some momentum online, adding: “What did your freedom to be who you are stir in this vile creature. I’m sorry for what have been through and hope they catch him. There are satellites that see everything. #Equality”

What did your freedom to be who you are stir in this vile creature. I’m sorry for what have been through and hope they catch him. There are satellites that see everything. #Equality https://t.co/2QEEYmnrIy

— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) April 10, 2022

Irish politician Leo Varadka condemned the attack, saying: “Shocked and appalled that an assault of this natured occurred in our capital city. Will discuss with Helen McEntee re Garda presence on our street and new hate crime laws. Sorry about what happened. Wishing you a swift recovery”

As the post began building shares online, with over 8,000 retweets at the time of writing, Evan sent a follow-up Tweet saying: “Genuinely didn’t share this for attention, I felt like it needed to be seen instead of hidden away because this is the reality of what so many LGBTQ+ people go through regularly & if it makes you uncomfortable, maybe it should.”

Evan later added “Genuinely wish I could reply to everyone’s Tweets here! I appreciate each and every one of you, I feel a lot less alone right now and my faith in humanity is just a little bit restored “

Somers plays as a member of the Emerald Warriors RFC, Ireland’s first LGBT+ inclusive rugby team. The team posted support for Evan, adding that said it was “devastated” by the attack.

“We are devastated and shocked following the attack on our fellow teammate / Warrior last night. This is Ireland 2022. As many of our stakeholders tell us, homophobic attacks and slurs are increasing. We are here for you.”

Gardaí, the national police service, are said to have launched a probe into the assault and are investigating “any hate related motivation.”

A garda spokesperson said: “The injured party was taken to St James’ Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

“No arrests have been made at this time.”

“Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses or for anyone with any information in relation to this assault to contact Pearse Street on 01 6669000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”