Wolves respond to resurfaced footage
Wolves have issued a statement confirming that a member of their academy was one of the players filmed fighting a team-mate during an England under-16 camp in Turkey last year.
Footage emerged on social media this week showing the pair scrapping in a hotel room, as other players watched on. Several of their team-mates were filming the incident and could be heard encouraging them.
The FA issued a statement saying that the fight was caused by an 'internal matter' and was 'quickly resolved'. Championship club Wolves have now addressed the viral video in a statement published on their website, saying that the footage only captures part of a 'broader sequence of events'.
It read:
Wolves are aware of footage from a previous England youth camp involving one the club's academy players which has recently resurfaced on social media.
The club is satisfied that the widely shared footage captures only part of a much broader sequence of events and does not reflect the full circumstances surrounding the incident, during which the young player had been subjected to repeated behaviour that caused him significant distress. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page
Wolves staff are disappointed by those continuing to share the footage in question and condemn, in the strongest possible terms, those who have sought to identify, threaten and abuse the young person involved. Instances of extreme abuse and threats have already been shared with police.
A one-minute clip of the fight showed a boy wearing official England training gear grab a phone from another boy who was lying on the bed of a hotel room.
The two can be seen grappling over the phone before punches and kicks were thrown. The boy who tried to take the phone then attempts to put the other in a headlock. He subsequently dragged him around the room before throwing him on the floor.
Jonathan Hunter-Barrett speaks out
In the statement, Wolves academy director Jonathan Hunter-Barrett added:
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.
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