Boxing Day match abandoned after footballer collapses on pitch with awful injury

26 December 2023 , 18:48

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Boxing Day match abandoned after footballer collapses on pitch with awful injury

A Boxing Day clash in the Isthmian League Premier Division was abandoned before the final whistle when a player collapsed with a head injury.

Cray Wanderers and Margate were locked at 0-0 deep into injury time when Cray player Yahya Bamba fell to the floor. The striker received treatment from medical staff while the referee held discussions with captains of both sides.

After am ambulance arrived, Bamba continued to receive medical care. And the initial decision was taken to play the final two minutes once the player had been taken to hospital, with both sides temporarily leaving the field.

But after a 20 minute delay the decision was taken to abandon the league clash completely. It is expected that both side will be handed a point each as opposed to the game being replayed.

On social media, Cray Wanderers kept fans updated on the situation, posting: "Following the serious nature of the injury to Yahaya Bamba and the emergency care needed, the match has been abandoned. Our thoughts are with Yahya at this time from all at Cray Wanderers."

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They later added: "All our thoughts are with Yahya Bamba who has been taken to hospital following lengthy medical treatment late in the game. With thanks to the dedication of the two medical teams and to the paramedics assisting Yahya."

Cray Wanderers' footballer Yahya Bamba

Margate themselves posted: "Today’s game was abandoned in the 92nd minute for Cray forward Bamba who suffered an unfortunate head injury. We wish the player well and a further update will follow regarding the conclusion of today’s game."

The issue of matches being abandoned due to player concern has been prevalent this month after Tom Lockyer collapsed in the Premier League game between Luton Town and Bournemouth. The Welsh international suffered a cardiac arrest, and was released from hospital four days later after having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator device inserted.

The game was locked at 1-1 after 59 minutes, with Premier League bosses later ruling the match would be replayed in full. A new date is yet to be confirmed.

Fraser Watson