Teenage player is rushed to hospital ‘after suffering cardiac arrest on the pitch’ in front of horrified fans forcing FA Youth Cup match to be abandoned
An FA Youth Cup match was abandoned Thursday evening as a young footballer was rushed to hospital after suffering a 'cardiac arrest' on the pitch.
Fans have been asked to leave the stands after the match between West Bridgford Colts and Boston United was abandoned on Thursday evening.
The game was being held at Regatta Way Sports Ground, the home stadium of the West Bridgford Colts in Gamston, Nottinghamshire.
Eyewitnesses reported a player remaining unresponsive after receiving 'multiple' shocks from a defibrillator.
The player, reportedly a member of West Bridford's team, has been taken to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham as paramedics battle to save his life.
Three ambulances, including the air unit, attended the scene as emergency services rushed to revive him.
Fans were asked to leave the stands at Regatta Way Sports Ground, the home stadium of the West Bridgford Colts in Gamston, Nottinghamshire. Above: The pre-match routines before Thursday's match
The FA Youth Cup match between Boston United and West Bridgford Colts was postponed after a player suffered a 'cardiac arrest' on the pitch
The match, between Boston United and West Bridgford Colts, was due to kick off at 7.45pm.
Three ambulance crews and paramedics remain at the scene as they battle to save the youngster's life.
West Bridgford Colts wrote in a statement Thursday evening: 'We can confirm that there was a medical incident tonight during our FA Youth Cup game against Boston United.
'Emergency services were called out to our Regatta Way Ground after a player became seriously unwell and they are now undergoing treatment in hospital.
'We would ask that you respect the privacy of those involved at this time and we will comment further when we feel it is appropriate to do so.'
East Midlands Ambulance Service said in a statement: 'We received a call at 19.50 hours today to a medical emergency in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire.
'We sent two ambulances and a fast response car, and the air ambulance were in attendance.
'We transported one patient to the Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, by land ambulance.'
Boston United tweeted: 'Tonight’s FAYouthCup fixture between West Bridgford and the Pilgrims has been abandoned.'
Hundreds of fans quickly took to social media to wish the young footballer well as paramedics battle to save his life.
Freelance football reporter Chris Williams tweeted: 'Hug your loved ones, I'm at a FA Youth Cup game this evening where a young player has suffered a SCA.
'Four shocks and still unresponsive, three ambulances on site.'
Another person wrote: ' Seeing heartbreaking news that a FA Cup youth game has had to be suspended due to a player having a Cardiac arrest on the pitch.
'Praying he is ok and pulls through.'
Boston United tweeted: 'Tonight's fixture between West Bridgford and the Pilgrims has been abandoned'
Eyewitnesses reported a player remaining unresponsive after receiving 'multiple' shocks from a defibrillator
Hundreds of fans quickly took to social media to wish the young footballer well as paramedics battle to save his life
A Nottinghamshire Police spokeswoman said in a statement: 'Police were called to Regatta Way in Gamston just before 8pm on Thursday to assist with a medical emergency.
'The incident is not believed to be suspicious.'
Boston United play league matches in the sixth tier of English football pyramid, the National League North, while West Bridgford Colts participate in the United Counties League.
The shocking incident comes just months after former Premier League footballer Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark's 1-0 loss to Finland during the Euro 2020 group stage.
The 29-year-old Inter Milan midfielder suddenly fell to the ground near the end of the first half during his side's clash with Finland at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.
Eriksen - a former-Tottenham player - was given CPR by frantic medics who sprinted onto the pitch as his sobbing teammates watched on shortly after 6pm.
He received 13 minutes of medical treatment and recovered.
Campaigners have been calling for all grassroots football grounds and schools to be equipped with defibrillators following Eriksen's frightening incident.
This is a developing story, more information to follow as we get it.