A NATIONAL LEAGUE match was abandoned in stoppage time with paramedics forced to rush on to the pitch to treat players.
Eastleigh hosted Scunthorpe at Silverlake Stadium just outside Southampton on Tuesday night.
GettyEastleigh vs Scunthorpe in the National League was abandoned after a horror collision between two players[/caption]
The two sides were locked at 1-1 deep into injury time.
But a sickening clash of heads in the 97th minute led to both players requiring emergency attention.
Archie Harris – on loan from Bournemouth – and Jean Belehouan both stayed down as the paramedics ran on while an ambulance was called for.
Flags were put around to protect them as they received urgent help.
The referee took both sets of distraught players off the pitch before making the decision to abandon the match.
Declan Howe put Scunthorpe ahead in the 83rd minute before Harvey Saunders equalised for the hosts in the first minute of injury time.
But then the horrific incident unfolded at 9.38pm.
Scunthorpe updated fans with posts on X as the match stopped.
The Iron wrote: “90+7’ Butler is incensed by a challenge on Jean Belehouan that looks horrendously bad for both players involved. Urgent medical attention needed for both players.
“90+8’ An ambulance is shouted for as the crowd goes really quiet. Our thoughts are with both the Eastleigh player and Jean Belehouan while they receive treatment as flags are put around the incident while treatment is undertaken.
“100’ The referee tells both sets of players to go to the changing rooms with a number of distraught looks from both sets of players. Our thoughts continue to be with both players as they are treated.
“102’ Belehouan gets to his feet momentarily, but goes back to the floor soon after. There’s a lot of concern in the Silverlake Stadium for both players.”
Then at 9.46pm, the club confirmed the tie would not resume.
They added: “MATCH ABANDONED.
“A sour note to end the game for both teams here at the Silverlake Stadium, as the game is abandoned due to the medical incidents infield.
“Our thoughts continue to be with both players here at the Silverlake Stadium as supporters are asked to leave the venue.
“Jean Belehouan is currently sat up while treatment continues, and is currently responding to our medical staff. He is transferred onto a wheelchair. We will allow Eastleigh to report on their player themselves, who we sent our best wishes to.
“JB is taken from the field of play – we send our best wishes for a speedy recovery, and will update supporters as and when appropriate. A big thank you to everyone for your support this evening – have a safe journey home.”
Scunthorpe then tweeted at 10.18pm: “Jean Belehouan has returned to the dressing room following treatment and will continue to be assessed and monitored.
“At this stage, JB appears to be responding well to testing. As soon as there are any other updates we will update.”
Eastleigh are yet to give an update on Harris’ condition but fans immediately expressed their concern for the defender who was twice an unused sub in the Premier League for Bournemouth last season – against Crystal Palace and Fulham.
One fan tweeted: “The game, the points, the score doesn’t matter. Having everyone return safely home is the most important thing. Really hope we hear some positive news soon about Archie Harris.”
Another wrote: “Oh no. What a truly horrific way to end the night. Our thoughts and best wishes are with both Archie Harris and Jean Belehouan.”
A third added: “Sounds like the Scunthorpe player Jean Belehouan is doing ok according to Scunthorpe Twitter. Hopefully Archie Harris is too.”
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