Ex-Manchester United and Liverpool youth player and boxer Paddy Lacey has been charged with attempted murder, along with three other people.
It comes after a 20-year-old man was shot on a driveway in Huyton, Liverpool.
Turing to boxing after his football career, Lacey's last outing in the ring only came on February 7 as he was beaten for the first time in his 12th professional fight
5
Turing to boxing after his football career, Lacey's last outing in the ring only came on February 7 as he was beaten for the first time in his 12th professional fightCredit: Getty
The man was subsequently rushed to hospital in a critical condition after being shot in the leg at around 10.20pm on Friday, November 28, 2025.
On Thursday February 19, a number of warrants were carried out across Knowsley, Sefton and Liverpool, with four arrests made.
Lacey's charges in full
Lacey, aged 32, has now been charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, possession of shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life; section 18 GBH; and conspiracy to cause GBH.
John Aaron Jones, John George Patrick Hughes and Bernard Flynn have also been charged with the same offences.
Read more on football
All four were due to appear at Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton and St Helens Adult Remand Court on the morning of Friday February 20.
Detective Inspector Chris Clark from the Firearms Investigation Team at Merseyside Police said: "These coordinated warrants were carried out as part of an ongoing investigation, and all four men will appear in court today.
"Our work continues, so I would ask that people who have yet to come forward still do so. Please do not assume that we already hold information.
"Our team will make that assessment, and will take the appropriate action. Whether you have a first-hand account, dashcam, CCTV, doorbell or other footage, come forward."
Once a promising player, Lacey began his football education at Tranmere Rovers before moving to Manchester United.
After leaving Old Trafford he moved to Liverpool where he played in the Reds’ academy.
Paddy Lacey with the League Two goal of the month award
5
The former Man United and Liverpool academy and EFL player has been charged with attempted murder
Paddy Lacey pictured during his football career in the lower leagues
5
Paddy Lacey endured a tumultuous football career on and off the pitchCredit: @paddylacey16 - instagram
He went on to feature in the lower leagues with Altrincham, Barrow, Accrington Stanley and Southport.
Most recently, he lined up for Welsh club Flint Town United in the Cymru Premier.
Lacey later moved into boxing, breaking into the professional ranks with a record of 12-1.
His last fight was the first defeat of his career in the ring, as he was beaten on points by Jack Swallow on February 7 at Liverpool's Echo Arena.
A chequered past
Lacey’s football career plunged into chaos when he was given a 14-month ban by the Football Association for admitting breaching anti-doping rules following a positive test for Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.
Shortly afterwards, he was sentenced to 16 months in prison when found in possession of 20.3 grams of cocaine, 16.8 grams of MDMA, and £520 in counterfeit £20 notes at Glastonbury Festival.
Paddy Lacey triumphant in the Boxing ring
5
Paddy Lacey was a dab hand in the boxing win with a record of 12-1
He looked to rebuild his life off the pitch in 2021 as he entered the professional boxing ranks, and also started a carpet fitting business.
Lacey spoke exclusively to talkSPORT in 2023 ahead of the eighth of his 13 pro bouts, where he also spoke about the prospects of his younger brother, Shea, in Manchester United's academy.
He claimed his younger sibling was already better than he ever was and was destined to play at the highest level.
He also admitted his hope that his public misdemeanours acted as a valuable lesson to his younger brothers as they pursue careers in the sport.
“Shea is at Man United, just made his debut for England. He’s 15, a real whirlwind, I think,” Lacey told talkSPORT.
“A real Champions League player, I do believe. I think Man United would say that themselves.
Shea Lacey in training with Manchester United
5
Shea Lacey has a bright future ahead at Man UnitedCredit: Getty
“He’s gone all over the world playing tournaments against Real Madrid, Barcelona, Ajax and I think he’s had about eight or nine players of the tournaments since the age of 12.
"Shea saw my downfall, but he’s seen me build myself back up through boxing and my business. He’s fully aware, it’s no secret in our house, we talk about it all the time.
Read More on talkSPORT
“They are conscious of it and they’ve learned plenty of lessons already. They are smart kids. You don’t wanna be anything like that crazy year that I had.
“So, I think it’s actually helped them in their career to see first-hand what can go wrong if you don’t protect yourself as a young lad.”