Everton FC coach sacked after Albert Dock fight reaches out of court settlement – Liverpool Daily Post

11 Oct 2013 09:24

Photo by Gavin Trafford. Liverpool at night. Merseyside Maritime Museum and the Pumphouse on the Albert Dock

An Everton FC coach sacked over a Christmas party bust-up with a female goalkeeper accepted an out-of-court settlement over his dismissal.

Academy coach Mick O’Brien was given the red card by Toffees bosses  after he and reserve team keeper Danielle Hill clashed on a night out at the Albert Dock.

Danielle Hill  

The 34-year-old had lodged tribunal  papers claiming unfair dismissal, sexual discrimination, victimisation on the grounds of sexual orientation and breach of contract against his employers.

Mr O’Brien also claimed  that Everton had failed to pay wages he believed he was owed or paid out his statutory annual leave entitlement.

The hearing was listed to be heard at Liverpool Employment Tribunal Court on Vernon Street yesterday.

But the Post understands a private settlement was reached between both parties at the eleventh-hour.

Mr O’Brien, who played for clubs including Chester, Southport  and Torquay after being released from Goodison as a trainee, could not be contacted today.

Everton FC said it had no comment to make over the settlement – saying the outcome was a private matter between both sides.

Mr O’Brien, who had been employed as a coach for Everton’s nine to 11 year olds, was suspended as police investigated allegations he punched Ms Hill, then the club’s women’s team goalkeeper, at the staff Christmas party in December.

The alleged incident took place outside the Blue Bar on Liverpool’s Albert Dock as the function, attended by administrative staff, academy and community coaches as well as the women’s team, was breaking up.

Ms Hill, the 24-year-old niece of former England striker Mark Hateley, reported the alleged attack and went to hospital for a check-up on minor facial injuries.

There were understood to be conflicting reports over who threw the first punch but Merseyside Police later confirmed  both Mr O’Brien and Ms Hill admitted their part in what they called “a low-level offence”.

Mr O’Brien never returned to his role with the club and Ms Hill left the Blues shortly after the incident and joined Norwegian women’s side Avaldsnes.

Merseyside Police today confirmed no action was taken against either of them.

A spokesman said: “The incident was fully investigated and, with the agreement of both parties, no further action was by the force.

“As neither person involved was previously known to the police and both admitted their part in what was a low-level offence, the matter was assessed as being suitable for the Restorative Justice scheme.

“The complainant supported this course of action and both parties were  informed that the circumstances of the incident will be held on file by Merseyside Police.”

 Liverpool Tribunal Court confirmed the matter was no longer listed to be heard by a tribunal judge  as an agreement had been reached between the parties.