Sydney FC midfielder Robbie Middleby was attacked by two fans in the Sydney Football Stadium car park after last weekend's A-League win over Wellington.
Middleby told the Sydney Morning Herald's website on Thursday he was assaulted by two fans wearing Sydney scarves around their heads and faces.
The 33-year-old said only the arrival of his wife Melissa at the scene prevented him from being badly hurt.
Middleby will join North Queensland Fury from next season and the attack was reportedly motivated by the fact he is leaving the club.
"I was just walking along, and then I hear a guy saying 'You're f***ing leaving us, are you Middleby? He must have jumped out from behind a car," Middleby told smh.com.au.
"His mate just stood there and he kneed me and starting throwing punches."
Middleby, who did not play in the match, said his wife ran over to defend him and he feared the attacker would turn on her.
"I thought he was going to attack her, so I threw a punch or two, and then my mate, who was also at the car, came over as well," Middleby said.
"That's when the two of them ran off."
Middleby said he did not want the culprits to get away with the attack.
"Never in my career have I experienced anything like this. It's a disgrace," he said.
Sydney have reportedly been reviewing security footage to try and identify the culprits and have asked the club's supporters group for assistance.
