Aussie tennis star James McCabe has accused a staff member at a UK tournament of physically assaulting his father and coach Patrick, who had to be hospitalised as a result.
The 22-year-old was preparing to warm up for a match at the Birmingham Open when the staff member allegedly began shouting and acting aggressively.
McCabe alleges the employee followed him and his dad before allegedly assaulting Patrick.
The world No.234 has also accused the venue of denying him access to footage of the incident.
‘My father says the staff member physically put his hands on him near a doorway,’ McCabe told The First Serve.
‘My understanding is that the staff member admitted to the police that he put his hands on my father, although the venue disputes the characterisation of assault.’
Aussie tennis player James McCabe has alleged his father and coach Patrick (pictured together) was assaulted by a tournament official in England
James says his father (pictured together) was hospitalised as a result of the alleged incident
McCabe accused the Birmingham Open of refusing to give him access to footage of the alleged assault
McCabe has also issued an emotional plea for people who saw the alleged event to come forward.
‘The key issue now is that there were adult witnesses present, including adult supervisors,’ the rising star said.
‘I am asking for those adult witness accounts to be properly identified, preserved and independently reviewed.’
The Sydney-born player said his father has a history of back injuries that have now been made worse by the incident.
‘My dad has had previous C5 cervical spine surgery and is now in worsening pain with arm symptoms, pins and needles, shooting pain, dizziness and severe pain that stopped him sleeping last night,’ McCabe said.
Local police have released a statement on the alleged incident.
‘(Officials have) received a report of a man being assaulted at a venue in Sir Harrys Road, Birmingham,’ West Midlands Police said.
‘No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.’
