https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-46424640Bouncers from Manchester's Factory 251 nightclub have been sacked after an 18-year-old rugby league player was assaulted outside the club.
St Helens academy player Joe Sharratt suffered a serious head injury and is in a stable condition in hospital.
His mother Jane Sharratt told the BBC that he had a bleed on the brain but was now "sitting up and talking".
Video footage shows Mr Sharratt being thrown to the ground before door staff repeatedly punch his friend.
Greater Manchester Police has appealed for witnesses to the attack at 03:20 GMT on Sunday. It has also asked Manchester City Council to carry out an expedited review and to suspend the nightclub's licence.
Factory said it "immediately terminated the service contract" with the security contractor Professional Security and would be closed on Monday night.
The security contractor also confirmed that it has sacked the staff involved.