Player suffers suspected cardiac arrest during FA Trophy before leaving pitch in ambulance as game abandoned

A PLAYER suffered a suspected heart attack during the Third Round FA Trophy match between Gateshead and Farsley Celtic.

Tuesday night's match was abandoned as Celts' captain Lewis Turner, 32, was rushed to hospital via ambulance after collapsing on the pitch.

Farsley Celtic later released an update on his health saying Turner was "conscious and talking".

And a later statement read: "In tonight’s FA Trophy match with Gateshead, our captain Lewis Turner suffered a suspected cardiac arrest.

"Thanks to the superb professional work by the medical staff and paramedics Lewis was resuscitated and was taken to hospital.

"It is with great relief and happiness that we can report that Lewis is conscious and talking.

"We will provide further updates as and when it is appropriate to do so.

"We have been in contact with the relevant governing bodies, and in conjunction with them we will be offering all the support possible to Lewis, his family, and the other players and staff.

"Incidents like this put life into context and we hope you will all join us in wishing Lewis and his family all the very best and we look forward to seeing him again soon."

Play was stopped in the 28th minute as medical staff rushed onto the pitch to attend to the right-back.

National League side Gateshead were 1-0 up at the time, with the ref sending both sets of players to the changing rooms in the 31st minute.

Turner was taken away via ambulance to be treated in hospital.

Reports state that Turner's team-mates were reduced to tears and desperately called for help.

Gateshead FC wrote on X: "Following discussions between both clubs, the decision has been taken to abandon tonight's game.

"Our thoughts go out to Lewis Turner & all involved with @FarsleyCelticFC at this time."

While the visitors, who are in the National League North, wrote: "We will update supporters on Lewis’ condition when possible."

The club were able to do so later on, writing in a statement: "In tonight’s FA Trophy match with Gateshead, our captain Lewis Turner suffered a suspected cardiac arrest.

"Thanks to the superb professional work by the medical staff and paramedics Lewis was resuscitated and was taken to hospital.

"It is with great relief and happiness that we can report that Lewis is conscious and talking.

"We will provide further updates as and when it is appropriate to do so.

"We have been in contact with the relevant governing bodies, and in conjunction with them we will be offering all the support possible to Lewis, his family, and the other players and staff.

"Incidents like this put life into context and we hope you will all join us in wishing Lewis and his family all the very best and we look forward to seeing him again soon."

Leeds United's official X account wrote: "The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with Lewis at this time and we’re all wishing him a speedy recovery."

Turner came through the youth ranks at Leeds, before being loaned out between Harrogate Town and Chester.

Both sets of supporters took to X to show their support for Turner.

One fan inside the ground wrote: "Really wish for the best to him that was absolutely horrifying to see ❤."

A second said: "Praying for a full recovery 🙏."

While another praised: "Excellent work from the paramedics."

A fourth added: "It was so scary to watch. Hope and pray he recovers well and hope all the players are OK."

One more wrote: "That was one of the hardest things I've witnessed."

Gateshead striker Luke Hannant scored the opener around seven minutes before the horrifying incident.

Whether the match will be replayed remains to be seen, but whichever team advances will host Boston United in the fourth round of the FA Trophy.

Gateshead are currently fourth in the National League, while Step Six West Yorkshire outfit Farsley sit 20th in the league below.

Turner signed a contract extension with Farsley Celtic in May 2022 after making more than 100 appearances the club.