Just a few weeks ago, Kian Harratt was living a footballer’s dream.
The 22-year-old had just scored a last-minute goal at Wembley, clinching Oldham Athletic’s return to the Football League.
It was the kind of career-defining moment young players dream of.
But in a stunning twist, the spotlight that once shone brightly on him has taken a sharp turn.
A Viral Video and a Damaging Revelation
Everything changed when footage surfaced online showing Harratt involved in a holiday brawl.
In the video, he’s seen throwing a chair—an object that reportedly struck a woman who was simply trying to break up the fight.
What began as a celebratory trip with his childhood friends quickly spiraled into a PR nightmare.
Rather than immediately addressing the situation, Harratt initially seemed unfazed—resharing the video on his social media, laughing it off.
That silence from both him and his club, Oldham Athletic—who signed him only in March—only fueled public criticism.
Harratt Finally Speaks Out
Under growing pressure, Harratt finally made a public statement on Thursday.
He expressed remorse, saying he felt “terrible” about what happened and that hitting the woman was an accident.
However, his apology took a bizarre turn when he claimed the woman “went down a bit easy,” a phrase more suited to post-match banter than a serious incident.
A Troubled History Off the Pitch
This isn’t Harratt’s first brush with controversy.
His journey began with promise—born in Pontefract, West Yorkshire into a traveller family, his natural ability caught the attention of Barnsley and Leeds United scouts.
He officially began his career at Huddersfield Town in 2018 and quickly made his professional debut.
But trouble followed. In 2022, he was convicted of hare coursing, a cruel and illegal hunting activity involving dogs chasing and killing hares for sport.
He was fined over £1,000 by Beverley Magistrates Court, and Huddersfield imposed their own disciplinary measures, including educational outreach.
After that wake-up call, he seemed to acknowledge the need for change, telling friends on Facebook that he was giving up hunting: “Took me a while to realise, but getting out of it now.”
Defending Himself on Social Media
Following the recent chair-throwing incident, Harratt took to social media again—this time to post his side of the story.
He blamed a “bully” at the pool, claiming the man had been harassing couples and provoking his friends.
When one of his mates splashed the man in jest, things escalated.
Harratt said he threw the chair in response to one being thrown at him, not intending to hit the woman, and insisted he was just trying to back up his friend who had been attacked.
Despite his explanation, many felt his defense only made things murkier, especially when paired with his defensive tone and dismissive language toward the injured woman.
Previous Betting Ban Adds to the Drama
Back in the 2022–2023 season, Harratt was banned from football for four months for placing a staggering 484 bets on matches—36 of which involved Huddersfield, his own team at the time.
He maintained he never bet on games he was involved in, but the breach cost him a £3,200 fine and further dented his reputation.
Poaching Conviction While at Fleetwood Town
More recently, in early 2024, Harratt was once again in trouble with the law—this time for poaching in North Yorkshire.
Caught alongside a friend with lurcher dogs and hunting lamps, they were stopped by police and eventually fined over £1,100 each.
The incident happened while he was on loan at Fleetwood Town, just a month before he signed for Oldham.
A Reputation That Follows Him
With multiple run-ins with the law and football regulations, Harratt has developed a reputation that seems to follow him from club to club.
While no one questions his raw ability, insiders say his personal life has often undermined his career.
A Football League scout was blunt: “Kian’s got real talent, no doubt.
But his lack of focus and the influence of his circle hold him back. He should never have dropped to non-league football with the skill he’s got.”
Talent Undeniable, But Focus in Question
Coaches and managers reportedly find Harratt frustrating.
When he’s focused, he’s a nightmare for defenders.
But those moments are often overshadowed by off-field distractions.
“He’s got everything you need to succeed,” the scout added, “but he keeps getting in his own way.”
From National League to Uncertain Future
In January, after his latest conviction, Huddersfield made his move to Fleetwood Town permanent.
But just two months later, Harratt left league football entirely, joining Oldham in the National League.
His winning goal in the promotion match might have been the comeback story he needed—until the viral video hit.
So, What Comes Next for Kian Harratt?
That’s the big question now.
Will clubs continue to take a chance on a player with so much potential but such a troubled record?
Can he truly change his ways and focus on his game?
Or will this latest scandal mark the end of his professional journey?
Only time will tell if Harratt can turn his story around for good—or if this was his last shot at the big stage.