A Pakistani doctor based in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, underwent an operation on his nose yesterday after he was headbutted in a bar on Sunday night. The junior doctor, who does not wish to be named, said his nose was broken at the Kenyon Bar in Kenyon Street, Nenagh, when he went out for a few drinks with two of his colleagues, who are also from Pakistan. He said that although he was in pain, the psychological effect of the attack, which followed racist abuse, had been greater. One arrest has been made and further Garda inquiries are underway. It is understood the arrested man is aged 22 and from the area.
The injured man said he would continue to work at Nenagh County Hospital, where he had been since May, and that people there had been supportive. One of his colleagues, Dr Amjad Khan, said the incident occurred at about 10.30 p.m. after they entered the disco bar. They were accosted by two men, who abused and threatened them. "The situation was very unpleasant. We thought it was best to move away so we went to the other side of the bar," Dr Khan said.
After about 10 minutes they were again approached by the men, one of whom headbutted his friend "out of the blue" before leaving the bar. His companion remained but no attempt was made to detain either of them by the bouncers, who advised the doctors to report the matter to the gardai. "We are not satisfied," Dr Khan said. "When we asked the bouncers, `why are you not keeping them until the gardai come?' they said they could not do it."