National League match abandoned in stoppage time after horror collision | Football | Sport

A National League clash between Eastleigh and Scunthorpe has had to be abandoned in stoppage time due to a medical emergency on the pitch. The match, which was evenly poised at 1-1 at the time, was disrupted following a collision between Eastleigh’s Archie Harris and Scunthorpe’s Jean Belehouan during extra time. The pair required immediate medical attention on the field.

The referee sent players from both sides back to the changing rooms before making the decision to abandon the game. Scunthorpe had initially taken the lead in the 83rd minute with Declan Howe tapping in a rebounded effort beneath Nick Townsend. However, Eastleigh managed to level the score in the first minute of stoppage time when Harvey Saunders nudged home from Paul McCallum’s header across goal.

Scunthorpe later confirmed that Belehouan left the pitch in a wheelchair after receiving medical attention. He was responsive while talking to the Iron’s medical staff and was back in the dressing room with team-mates after having treatment.

While offering live updates on the match on social media, Eastleigh posted: “Play is halted after a serious collision.” They followed that up with: “Paramedics are on the pitch and the stadium drops to silence. Our thoughts are with Archie Harris and Jean Belehouan.”

A third and final post read: “Full-Time – the game has been abandoned. Once again, the thoughts of everyone at Eastleigh Football Club are with Archie Harris and Jean Belehouan.”

While Scunthorpe wrote across multiple posts: “Butler is incensed by a challenge on Jean Belehouan that looks horrendously bad for both players involved. Urgent medical attention needed for both players.

“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.

“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.

“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. 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.”

They added post-match: “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.”

Another update read: “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.”