Western Stars Sports Club (WSSC) President Nathan Richardson is recovering in King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) from multiple injuries suffered in a savage attack by club members earlier this week.

The brutal beating, which took place on the grounds of the Pembroke club, landed Mr. Richardson in surgery for a broken jaw and additional facial injuries sustained. He is now in stable condition on a general ward.

The 33-year-old junior mechanic was set upon by persons said to be actively involved in the club's various sports programmes Tuesday.

The men were allegedly engaged in anti-social behaviour near the northern entrance of the St. John's Road clubhouse. When confronted by the top club executive, the men violently lashed out.

It is understood those responsible for the savage beating could be facing lengthy club bans and/or possible legal action – should WSSC executives decide to take the matter into the courts.

"Unfortunately there is a negative element that is intent on having their own way. At the Western Stars Sports Club on Tuesday evening the president, Mr. Nathan Richardson, was attacked by these elements after asking them to conform with the policies of the club. This resulted with Mr. Richardson suffering physical injuries requiring hospital treatment," read an official club statement yesterday.

"The Western Stars Sports Club will not tolerate this behaviour as the club has a mandate to provide a safe, moral and positive environment for youth and adults to train in. Great strides have been made in this regard and the executive of the club will not be deterred by these acts of violence."

In the aftermath of this week's unprovoked attack, WSSC hierarchy have vowed to clamp down on those engaging in anti-social behaviour on their premises moving forward.

"Significant steps will be taken to ensure that safety of all is paramount and that these negative elements will not be allowed to have free rein.

"The executive will also be looking into banning from the premises any persons – members or not – that continue to breach the laws of Bermuda or the regulations of the club," the club statement continued.

Speaking from his hospital bed yesterday, a severely battered and bruised Mr. Richardson said: "This is a time for people to stand up and get involved and help this executive move Western Stars Sports Club forward collectively.

"We boast one of the most exciting youth programmes – cricket and football – and we must do our jobs as adults to help raise law-abiding and successful citizens of this beautiful Island we call home.

"I am just asking more people to come out and help our cause of getting the club back to where it can be. We have a committee that we just put in place that are trying to come up with a plan to redevelop our club and programmes to better serve the community.

"We are looking at developing our field to meet required standards, looking to build a new clubhouse and also enhance all our youth programmes which play a vital role in the development of young people in the Pembroke West community."

Since taking over the presidency of WSSC in June 2007, Mr. Richardson and his fellow administrators have gone to great lengths to provide a safe, friendly and positive environment at the club.

He is also presently trying to incorporate the BLING (Books Lead Individuals to Greatness) Book Club in his club's thriving youth programmes.

"Just last week he (Richardson) and I talked about getting the BLING Book Club involved in his youth sports programmes so that he can help develop well-rounded young people who are not just athletes," stated Glenn Jones, press secretary of Premier Ewart Brown and one of the book club's founders.

"He wants to shape well-rounded young people and having had that conversation with me less than seven days ago, and to hear that this (attack) has happened, really just breaks my heart.

"I am heartbroken about what happened to Nathan and the reason is because I know he passionately wants to make that club a better place, especially for young people."

Earlier this month Bermuda Football Association (BFA) banned a footballer for four years for allegedly punching an opponent in the jaw during a November 1 Commercial Division match at Southampton Oval.

The victim was treated in hospital for a broken cheekbone before eventually being released.