Wolverhampton Wanderers have issued a statement after footage emerged of two England Under-16 footballers appearing to violently fighting each other in a hotel room. Wolves say the clip from October 2025 shows one of their academy players involved in the incident.
The 58-second clip emerged online earlier this week and shows two boys exchanging punches and kicks during an England youth camp. The Football Association say the footage is genuine and was filmed during an England Under-16s camp in Turkey last year. The video, which was recorded by various team-mates, has resurfaced in recent days and attracted millions of views on social media.
The footage shows one boy push the other into a bed while holding his neck before throwing punches. The aggressor is kicked off and the fighting continues stood up, with one getting the other in a headlock. The fighting is encouraged by those watching, with “f*** him up”, “shut the door” and laughing heard.
The Championship club said their academy player had been “subjected to repeated behaviour that caused him significant distress” before the altercation. Wolves also say they were disappointed by those continuing to share the footage and condemned attempts to identify, threaten and abuse him. The statement added that instances of abuse and threats had been reported to police.
Wolves said they would continue to support the academy player involved. Academy director Jonathan Hunter-Barrett has also commented on the incident during the club’s statement.
He said: “Whilst the academy does not condone violence under any circumstances, it is important to recognise that this footage captures only the final moments of a much longer sequence of events. It does not reflect the repeated behaviour this young player had been subjected to, the significant distress he had experienced beforehand, or the circumstances that led to the incident.
“Those of us who know this young man understand that the footage is not an accurate reflection of either his character or the circumstances he found himself in. He is respectful, humble and has consistently demonstrated the standards and values we expect from our academy players, earning the respect of both staff and teammates through the way he conducts himself every day.
“Like all young people, Academy players learn and develop through both positive and difficult experiences. We are incredibly proud of the person he is today, and of the way he has responded to this distressing incident and the subsequent attention it has received, both when the footage first emerged in 2025 and again in recent days.
“This has been an extremely difficult period for him and his family. Our priority is their welfare, and we will continue to provide them with the care and support they need.
“We would also encourage people to consider the impact of sharing and commenting on footage involving minors and young people. Behind every video is a person and a family, and their wellbeing should always be at the forefront of our minds.
“As a club, we do not tolerate bullying, intimidation or abuse in any form. Supporting and protecting the welfare of our young people will always be our priority, and our commitment is to continue supporting young players in their development, both as footballers and, more importantly, as people.”
The FA said the matter had already been dealt with internally and that no further action would be taken.