Ex-Man Utd and Liverpool Youngster Among Four Suspected of Attempted Murder After Shooting

Paddy Lacey, a former youth player for Manchester United and Liverpool, has been charged with attempted murder alongside three others following a shooting in Huyton, Merseyside.[1][3]

Lacey, born Patrick Sean Lacey on March 16, 1993, began his football journey in Tranmere Rovers' academy before moving to Manchester United, where he played with future stars like Ravel Morrison and Jesse Lingard. He later joined boyhood club Liverpool for a month.[2] After brief stints elsewhere, he made 11 Football League appearances for Accrington Stanley as a midfielder. His career derailed in 2017 when Accrington terminated his contract after he tested positive for cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine, earning a 14-month FA ban. Shortly after, Lacey was arrested at Glastonbury Festival with 20.3 grams of cocaine, 16.8 grams of MDMA, and counterfeit £20 notes, leading to a 16-month prison sentence.[2]

Now playing for Cymru North side Flint Town United and having ventured into boxing since his 2021 debut, Lacey's latest troubles stem from a Huyton shooting that left a man in his 20s critically injured.[1][2] He faces charges with three unnamed accomplices. Lacey, from Crosby, Liverpool, is the older brother of Manchester United starlet Shea Lacey; their sibling Luis plays for Macclesfield.[2][3]

Merseyside Police confirmed the incident, with the victim fighting for life in hospital. Lacey, 32, was remanded in custody ahead of a court appearance. This shocking development contrasts his promising youth prospects with a history of drug-related scandals, drawing attention to his family's football ties.[1][3]

The case highlights ongoing gang violence concerns in the area, as authorities investigate motives. Supporters and former clubs have yet to comment publicly.[1]

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