Tim Ream's instant reaction to Chris Basham horror injury speaks volumes
Fans on social media have praised Tim Ream for his actions after Sheffield United veteran Chris Basham sustained a serious injury against Fulham on Saturday.
Basham, 35, was left in agony at Craven Cottage and required oxygen before being stretchered off the pitch. The defender was taken straight to hospital following a lengthy delay which saw referee Samuel Barrott add 14 minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half.
Fulham went on to win the match 3-1 but Basham's injury overshadowed the rest of the afternoon. In the aftermath of the injury, the actions of Ream have earned plenty of plaudits from fans of both sides after a picture of him comforting Basham on the pitch went viral.
The American defender was the first person to reach Basham and can be seen with his arm on the midfielder, who has his own arms over his head. Sheffield United physios can also be seen in the background rushing over to tend to Basham.
Speaking after the match, Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom was unable to divulge much detail on the injury but did confirm that Basham was in the best possible place.
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“I've been on a pitch with a teammate and involved when it's someone else but when it's one of your players its tough and you can see that with the players. No [diagnosis] but you guys have seen the pictures, it's terrible, it's horrific.
“We've lost a good player, had to made changes we didn't want to change. We can't blame that. It's going to affect us and it's going to affect us for the season. I don't know what the next step will be, but he's where he needs to be and that's the most important thing. Everyone could see he needs to be in hospital.”
Fulham manager Marco Silva joined Heckingbottom and fans on social media in wishing Basham well. He said: “It was a sad moment for Chris Basham that he had in that situation.
“Myself and we as a football club wish him all the best and fast recovery from that bad injury that he had. We wish him all the best for the future. Of course he is going to have the support from the most important people for him; his family, friends and Sheffield United Football Club.”