An FA Youth Cup match has been abandoned after a player suffered a ‘cardiac arrest’ on the pitch.
The fixture between the youth teams of Boston United and West Bridgford on Thursday September 2, was called to a halt by officials as paramedics rushed to administer life-saving treatment. Fans were also asked to leave the stands.
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.
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.’
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 the 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.
