Leicester vs Newcastle clash abandoned as Foxes staff member rushed to hospital

03 November 2023 , 22:36

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Leicester's Under-23s game against Newcastle was called off on Friday evening (Image: Getty Images)

Leicester's Premier League 2 fixture against Newcastle on Friday evening was abandoned following a medical emergency.

The Under-23s game was called off when a member of Leicester's staff required urgent medical attention. The individual in question was transferred to a nearby hospital for tests. Thankfully the Foxes have confirmed the staff member has been released from hospital.

The score was 2-2 when the game, which took place at Leicester's Seagrave training ground, was abandoned. Leicester have thanked Newcastle, the match officials and medical staff for their cooperation. Newcastle have also offered their support on X.

Leicester posted on X at 8:48pm on Friday evening: "We can confirm that this evening’s PL2 fixture between Leicester City Under-21s and Newcastle United Under-21s at Seagrave was abandoned due to a medical emergency involving a member of LCFC staff.

"The staff member has been transferred to hospital and we await further updates on his condition."

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Newcastle soon reposted Leicester's statement with the message: "Our thoughts are with the Leicester City staff member following tonight's PL2 fixture."

Leicester gave an update on the staff member's condition at 9:11pm on Friday evening. Their post on X read: "We are pleased to report that, following examination by on-site medics, the staff member has been released from observation to recover at home.

"The club expresses its thanks to Newcastle United, to the match officials and to on-duty medical staff for their cooperation, assistance and care."

Leicester have confirmed the individual in question has been released from hospital (Getty Images)

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Leicester's 18-year-old midfielder Will Alves, who has featured twice for the first team, opened the scoring on Friday evening after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The Foxes then doubled their advantage through Christopher Popov, a 19-year-old attacking midfielder who represents Wales at Under-21 level.

But Newcastle fought back thanks to a quick-fire brace from Dylan Stephenson, a 20-year-old forward who is yet to make his first-team debut for the Magpies. Stephenson spent the second half of last season on loan at Scottish side Hamilton. He endured an indifferent time in Scotland - winning the Challenge Cup but suffering relegation.

Leicester's first team were also in action on Friday night, as they took on Championship rivals Leeds at the King Power Stadium. The Foxes suffered a 1-0 defeat thanks Georginio Rutter's second-half goal, but they remain five points clear at the top of the table.

Leicester and Leeds are both hoping for an immediate return to the Premier League, having suffered relegation last season. Leeds are third in the table, six points behind Ipswich in second. Southampton, the other relegated club, are fourth in the standings.

Tom Blow