Bath City issue an update after their match with Dulwich Hamlet gets abandoned due to a player colliding with the advertising hoarding.
Tuesday’s National League South game was stopped on the fifth minute after striker Alex Fletcher, 23, suffered a “serious injury” and had to be be rushed to hospital.
Bath City said they were “deeply saddened by tonight’s events” with match updates on Twitter initially reporting a long pause in play after Fletcher suffered the injury before posting at 7:54pm that players had left the field as the forward received medical attention and confirmed they were awaiting an ambulance.
After reporting that the game had been temporarily suspended, they added at 8:18pm that the game had been abandoned.
A statement from the parents of Alex Fletcher and Bath City Football Club. pic.twitter.com/RkPASZql8i
— Bath City FC (@BathCity_FC) November 9, 2022
“This evening’s game has been abandoned and will be played at a later date,” Bath City said.
“Everyone at the club is deeply saddened by tonight’s events and it has been agreed that the game will not resume. Our best wishes and thoughts are with Alex Fletcher.”
Dulwich Hamlet said: “Due to the serious injury sustained by Alex Fletcher, both teams have agreed to abandon the game.
“For now the most important thing is the safety and recovery of Alex, and from everyone connected with Dulwich, we wish him a speedy and full recovery.”
Bath City added they would update supporters on Fletcher’s condition “at the earliest opportunity”.
UPDATE:
Bath wrote on Wednesday morning: “Unfortunately Alex has sustained a severe head injury as a result of last night’s events.
“He required emergency neurosurgery to stabilise his condition and was then admitted to intensive care where he remains in a stable but critical condition.
“Alex’s family would like to thank everyone for their best wishes that have been sent.
“No further comments will be made at this stage and we ask you all to respect the family’s privacy.
“Everyone at Bath City is sending their unconditional love, strength and support to Alex and his loved ones.”
The players have exited the field as Fletcher continues to receive medical attention. https://t.co/N7ryQ2ZQXI
— Bath City FC (@BathCity_FC) November 8, 2022
Fletcher collided with an advertising hoarding in the early stages of the game and we are awaiting an ambulance at Twerton Park.
We will update you all as soon as possible, but for now all of our best wishes are with Alex.
— Bath City FC (@BathCity_FC) November 8, 2022
We will update supporters on Fletcher’s condition at the earliest opportunity.
— Bath City FC (@BathCity_FC) November 8, 2022
In a statement, the Vanarama National League said: ‘Everyone at The National League sends their best wishes to Bath City’s Alex Fletcher.
‘We, like everyone, hope to hear positive news very soon and wish Alex a speedy recovery.’
Former Plymouth Argyle prospect Fletcher joined Bath Cuty in January 2021 and was named player of the year after scoring 19 goals last season.
Leslie Knott tweeted a photo of fans being asked to leave after the 30-minute stoppage did little to alleviate the injury Fletcher had sustained.
‘Went to watch Bath City FC vs Dulwich & Hamlet tonight,’ the tweet read.
‘After 5 mins play there was a player down (Alex Fletcher) after he crashed into advertising and suffered serious injury. After 30 mins stoppage the game was abandoned as they were waiting for an ambulance.’
Went to watch @BathCity_FC vs Dulwich & Hamlet tonight. After 5 mins play there was a player down (Alex Fletcher) after he crashed into advertising and suffered serious injury. After 30 mins stoppage the game was abandoned as they were waiting for an ambulance.
🤞🤞🤞 pic.twitter.com/IK5ekNsSeZ— Leslie Knott (@LeslieKnott1) November 8, 2022
View this post on Instagram
Twitter users sent their support as Bath City issue an update after the non league match gets abandoned due to a player colliding with the advertising hoarding…
@dorsetdom1905: Awful news and wishing Alex all the best. Thoughts to everyone at the club and the family
@AlbertLuque9: Keep fighting Alex
@riskyrichisaac: Hoping for a speedy recovery. My first thought this morning was hoping Fletch was ok and he and his family are in my thoughts
@Ads_CTFC_82: Thoughts are with Alex and everyone concerned.
@TerryDRFC: Sending best wishes to Alex.
@SamuelHake10: We’re all with you Alex 🙏🙏
@ManchesterRoman: Sending love and sympathy to Alex and his family. I really hope he makes a full recovery 🖤🤍
@Emerald1007: Wishing you all the best Alex, for a quick and full recovery. From a gashead 💙🤍🖤
@StevieWotsa: We are all with you Alex keep fighting you got this!
@Povy77: Such terrible news. All of our thoughts are with Alex and his family and hoping beyond hope for a full recovery.
@MaccaSouth: Sounds absolutely horrific 🤢
@MarkBirtles: Sending you love and best wishes. Keep fighting Alex. I wish you the speediest of recoveries ❤️ 💙
@RoverdickD: Holy crap. Imagine leaving your house to go play a game of football, and then this happens… All the best, Alex and everyone at @BathCity_FC.
@DownCollyer: Sending Alex Fletcher all the positive vibes in the world. 💚💚
@Brightonfan: Jesus Christ, seriously hope he pulls through. Truly horrific!! #bhafc
@jemmaaross: This is so sad. Thoughts to him and family and a speedy recovery 🖤🖤🖤
@SJ_1875: This is horrendous. The lad went into an advertising board. Sending positive thoughts that he recovers. 🙏
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