In the early hours of Wednesday 27th December whilst enjoying Boxing Day celebrations in Revolucion De Cuba Leeds, Matthew Syron had just walked back from the bathroom to meet his friends at the bar when he was brutality attacked from behind, by a man with a glass bottle that blinded him instantly. 

Matthew was visiting family and friends for Christmas here in the UK as both his brothers’ welcomed sons in November 2023. He was only due to be in the UK for two weeks before returning home to Australia to his fiancé and young family. 

Matthew was immediately rushed to St James Hospital and underwent emergency surgery on both eyes. Since the surgery Matthew has had two operations with further operations expected. His left eye cannot be operated on for 9-12 months due to the severity of his injuries. Matthew faces a lengthy rehabilitation process with no guarantees. 

Matthew spent four weeks in hospital learning how to navigate his new way of life following the disabling and unprovoked attack. The barbaric attack has not only impacted Matthew’s life but that of his family, friends and the community surrounding him both here in the UK and Australia. The ripple effect of such a heinous crime is unmeasurable and both the mental and physical implications have torn through the lives of all associated. 

Even through the circumstances are traumatic Matthew feels passionate about helping affect change within the UKs nightlife and licensing laws. In Australia glass is banned after 9pm and where there has been identified hot spots even earlier. They also have strict ID rules. 

Many venues up and down the country will have robust policies and procedures in place but there is clearly a need for a set criteria ensuring a minimum level of protection. There is an element of violence and anti-social behavior destroying the culture of the nightlife industry. This is supported with current statistics available online. 

For change to happen there are a number of ways this could be done. A focus to improve CCTV and introduce an industry standard. Ensure venues have the appropriate ratio of door staff to manage the capacity, strict ID processes, the introduction/use of body scanners detecting weapons upon entry and arguably the most important, the removal of glass from service after 9pm for late licensing venues. Alternatives to glass are in development.  

The outpouring of support from the public has been truly astonishing, as well as well wishes there has been a disturbing amount of people sharing their own grief and experiences on social media. A glass or a bottle can easily be transformed into a weapon causing harrowing and life changing injuries. Glass is a weapon readily available. 

Matthew’s experience has touched many hearts, and no one wants this to happen to anyone they know. Sadly, if nothing changes it could be someone you know whose life may be destroyed in an instance by a careless criminal act. Please help Matthew on his personal mission to stop this from happening to others.