Soham murderer Ian Huntley reportedly angered fellow prisoners by wearing a Manchester United-style shirt and had a confrontation with his assailant before being brutally attacked in prison. The 52-year-old killer caused outrage by donning a plain red football shirt with the number 10, believed to symbolize his victims Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, who were wearing similar Man United shirts when he committed the murders.

Prior to the assault, Huntley had been in conflict with Anthony Russell, who is a convicted rapist and triple murderer. Russell allegedly shouted, “I’ve done it, I’ve killed him,” after the violent incident in a prison workshop. Huntley, serving two life sentences for the 2002 murders, was found severely beaten with a metal pole.

Inmates were reportedly incensed by Huntley’s actions, including wearing the football shirt, leading to animosity towards him. Despite regulations prohibiting prisoners from wearing team replica kits, Huntley managed to acquire one similar to a Man United jersey, causing discontent among other prisoners. He was also resented for his perceived special treatment as an “enhanced” status prisoner at HMP Frankland.

Although Huntley had considerable protection in the prison, Russell seized an opportunity to attack him during a workshop session. A prison source disclosed that it was inevitable Huntley would face an assault due to his status as a target among inmates. Following the attack, Huntley was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition.

Having been sentenced to life in 2003 and told he had little chance of release, Huntley’s fate remains uncertain following the recent violent incident in prison.