A lifelong Dons fan who was badly beaten and stabbed during a robbery in his own home has received a video message of support from Aberdeen FC club captain Joe Lewis.
Frail cancer victim James Clunes, 75, was left severely bruised and bleeding after two men allegedly forced their way into his flat at Bayview Court, Aberdeen.
The former soldier suffered a broken nose, fractured cheekbone and knife wound to the leg during the horrific alleged attack around 10pm on Saturday, June 25.
A 28-year-old man has already appeared in court but police are still hunting a second person.
In a video message, Joe Lewis told James: “Sorry to hear about what you went through recently.
“Just a quick message from everyone at the football club that we’re right behind you, mate, and we hope you’re feeling alright and we look forward to seeing you at Pittodrie soon.”
James’ family told the Press and Journal that the pensioner has been “inundated” with and “very touched” by widespread support from the community.
His brother Stephen Clunes, 61, said: “He’s getting a little bit better. We’ve been absolutely blown away by people’s generosity.
“The good wishes from far and wide seem to have already lifted James’ spirits and his confidence.
“He is a fighter and I’m sure he will bounce back.
“James will be at the first home game as he never misses them. He only stopped going to away games when the pandemic stopped football.”
£3,260 raised in donations
A GoFundMe page set up by fellow Dons fan Stevie Bowie has already raised £3,260 to support James, who has been in tears over the public’s generosity.
Stevie said: “I reached out to his nephew Robbie to ask if I could raise some funds for his uncle, maybe for some home security or whatever James needs help with.
“I’m hoping we can raise enough to help him. He’s one of our own.”
James’ brother Stephen suggested the funds may go towards helping to relocate his home to an alternative address.
But he joked: “Knowing James, he would probably put the money towards a decent centre forward for Aberdeen.”
James’ nephew Robbie Clunes has appealed to the public for help to trace one of the men responsible for his uncle’s alleged ordeal, as police continue to hunt him.
Robbie said: “It was shocking what happened to Jim. Someone in the city must know who the other lad is.
“The support Jim has received from the messages is overwhelming.”
The Dons threw their support behind their fan after Robbie tweeted the club and its captain.
Director of football Steven Gunn then replied and said AFC would send a video message.
A spokesperson said: “Everyone at the club was shocked and saddened to hear what happened to Jim.
“The AFC family is very much with Jim and we will do what we can to support him during this difficult time.
“We look forward to welcoming him back to Pittodrie soon.”
Accused on bail
On Monday, June 27, Miguel Meyler, 28, from the Aberdeen area, appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
He’s facing charges of hamesucken, abduction, assault to injury, permanent disfigurement and robbery.
Meyler made no plea, was committed for further examination and released on bail to re-appear in court on a date to be confirmed.
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