Music legend Sir Elton John said he was “shocked and saddened” to learn of the sickening attack on Watford fan Nic Cruwys.

The club’s honorary life president, speaking exclusively to the Watford Observer, has sent a get well message to the 44-year-old who remains in a critical condition in a Birmingham hospital today.

Sir Elton said: “I am so shocked and saddened to hear about what happened to Nic.

“Our thoughts and prayers are very much with him and his family at this time. We wish him a very speedy recovery.”

Sir Elton and his husband David Furnish have also pledged to make a donation to the Nic Cruwys’ Future Football Fund.

Fans from all over the world have donated to the fund, set up by disgruntled Wolves’ fan Ollie Floyd, which hit £28,000 earlier today.

Watford players including Daniel Pudil and Fernando Forestieri, as well as BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey, have made a donation.

As did eight-year-old Louis Stephenson, who pledged his £5 pocket money to the fund for the milkman known affectionately as Moo.

Former Hornets’ defender Jay DeMerit has also shown his support to the fund today, posting a link on his website.

He said: “I still have a special bond with the club and its supporters.

“It doesn’t matter what club a person supports though, this kind of cowardly behaviour has no place in the game.

“One thing that has come from this is the incredible reaction from the football community who have come together to support Nic and his family. It shows what can be done when people come together.

“I just want to wish Nick well and hope he enjoys many more years cheering on Watford Football Club.”

Watford FC’s CEO Scott Duxbury said the Cruwys family and 16-year-old Ollie will be the club’s guests of honour at the Reading game tomorrow, at which fans plan to carry out a 44th minute tribute.

West Midlands Police arrested a third teenager in the early hours of this morning in connection with the attack on Mr Cruwys.