Footballer in critical condition after crashing into advertising hoardings during game

A non-league footballer is in a critical condition in intensive care after crashing head-first into a pitch-side concrete advertising board during the club’s National League South game.

Alex Fletcher was admitted into intensive care and underwent emergency neurosurgery on Tuesday November 8, after a sickening collision in the fifth minute of the game, with the fixture being abandoned soon after.

His parents, Paul and Ali, have now revealed that Fletcher required emergency brain surgery to stabilise his condition.

‘He remains in a stable but critical condition,’ the parents’ statement reads.

‘Everyone at the club is deeply saddened by tonight’s events and it has been agreed that the game will not resume,’ Bath City tweeted following the abandonment.

On Wednesday morning they added: ‘Everyone at Bath City is sending their unconditional love, strength and support to Alex and his loved ones.’

Fletcher was playing for Bath City against Dulwich Hamlet in the National League South, the country’s sixth tier of football – with the first four being professional ranks, topped by the Premier League.

A review will now be conducted that will examine all the circumstances leading to Fletcher’s serious injury.

A post from Dulwich Hamlet read: ‘Due to the serious injury sustained by Alex Fletcher, both teams have agreed to abandon the game.

‘For now, the most important thing is the safety and recovery of Alex, and from everyone connected with Dulwich, we wish him a speedy and full recovery.’

The match was 0-0 when the referee chose to abandon.

In a statement, the Vanarama National League said: ‘Everyone at The National League sends their best wishes to Bath City’s Alex Fletcher.

‘We, like everyone, hope to hear positive news very soon and wish Alex a speedy recovery.’