National League clash SUSPENDED and player rushed to hospital after colliding with advertising board

THIS afternoon’s National League clash between AFC Fylde and Rochdale was suspended for 15 minutes after a horror head injury.

The two sides were taken off the pitch by the referee after a serious head injury was sustained by Rochdale player Jesurun Uchegbulam.

The 22-year-old collided with the advertising board at Mill Farm which led to the winger requiring medical attention.

Fans inside the ground were told by the stadium announcer that the clubs were awaiting an ambulance for Uchegbulam after play was halted.

Although the game was not immediately stopped after the referee allowed play to continue for a period of time while Uchegbulam received treatment in the stands.

Once the severity of the incident was apparent the referee then paused the game for around 15 minutes.

Rochdale’s official X account posted that Uchegbulam had been taken away from the pitch on a stretcher after a period of medical attention.

Their post read: “Uchegbulam has been carried away on a stretcher to a standing ovation inside Mill Farm.

“The players will now have a brief warm-up period before play gets back underway. Everything crossed for you, Jes.”

While AFC Fylde also posted on social media wishing the best for their opposition’s injured player.

The official X account wrote: “We’d like to send our best wishes to Jesurun Uchegbulam and the whole of the Rochdale squad following Jesurun’s injury this afternoon.

“Some things are more important than football.”

The match later got back underway with the stoppage seeing the officials adding on a minimum of 20 minutes of added time.

The game ended in a 2-0 victory for Fylde, but the result will be the last thing on most fans’ minds as they send their wishes to Uchegbulam.

Other supporters were left frustrated as they felt that the game should not have been allowed to carry on while the Rochdale forward was in such a serious condition.

One wrote on social media: “Appalling that the ref played on with both teams medical teams having to work on Jes. Should have stopped the game immediately. Dangerous.”

Rochdale have now confirmed that Uchegbulam is in a stable condition following the horrible incident and is on his way to hospital.

In another social media statement, they wrote: “We can confirm that Jesurun Uchegbulam is in a stable condition and is currently on his way to hospital.

“We’ll bring you a further update on his condition in due course. We’re all with you, Jes.”