Apprentice winner Leah Totton offers injured Everton fan free plastic surgery

Critics have suggested the television star’s offer is a ‘PR stunt’ 

Katie O'Malley
Monday 28 January 2019 14:09 GMT
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Jason Burns shared an image of his injury following the brawl on Facebook.
Jason Burns shared an image of his injury following the brawl on Facebook.

The Apprentice winner Dr Leah Totton is facing a backlash on social media after offering free cosmetic treatment to a football fan who suffered facial injuries in a pre-match clash between rival fans.

Everton fan Jason Burns was wounded on his face when he was slashed with a knife during a fight between Millwall and Everton fans ahead of the FA Cup tie in London.

Burns was found by police and taken to a nearby hospital where he received treatment for the six-inch gash.

Following the brawl, the football fan posted a photograph of his injuries on Facebook and wrote: "Absolutely devastated about me face."

He thanked his fellow Everton fans and Liverpool residents for their support, adding: "I can’t look at myself in the mirror.”

In response, Northern Ireland-born doctor Totton, who won the 2013 series of The Apprentice and runs a plastic surgery clinic in London, offered her expertise to the fan.

"Gosh this poor man, how awful to do that to someone’s face!" she wrote on Twitter.

"If anyone knows this chap, please tell him to get in touch with Dr Leah Clinics once his stitches are out – we would like to offer him treatment for the scar to minimise it as much as possible, free of charge."

Despite Totton’s generous offer, several Twitter users have criticised the television star, suggesting it is a “PR stunt”.

"This isn't a selfless act or amazing gesture because you're such a kind-hearted person," one user wrote.

"It's a disgusting attempt at gaining exposure in something currently trending, which unfortunately is working."

Another tweeted: "I’m sure there are children who have been involved in accidents who would be much more worthy of your PR stunt.”

FA Cup match preview: Millwall v Everton

Following Totton’s offer, Burns told The Independent: “I’m overwhelmed with what she has to offer, it’s really nice of her.”

A mass brawl erupted on Saturday 26 January near Millwall's home ground, The Den. Footage of the fighting has been shared across social media.

Detective Inspector Darren Young, of the Metropolitan Police, said of the incident: “The behaviour of those involved in this incident is nothing short of disgraceful and those involved can be certain we will be working to identify them.

“We are aware of the video circulating online, which has quite rightly elicited shock and disgust.”

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