Emsworth Town apologise after footballer is hospitalised with serious injuries as police launch investigation
Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident
Emsworth Town FC have apologised over the incident that left a Midhurst and Easebourne player needing hospital treatment for mouth and jaw injuries.
It happened around 15 minutes into Saturday’s Malcolm Simmonds Cup tie at Midhurst between the Stags’ second team – known as Midhurst and Easebourne Community – and Emsworth Town, both of whom play in the West Sussex League.
The incident led to a home side player being seriously injured, the match abandoned and the police and an ambulance being called.
A statement from Emsworth Town: “We apologise as a club for the incident during our Malcolm Simmonds Memorial Cup tie against Midhurst & Easebourne.
"Our thoughts are with the injured player and his family, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. We also recognise fully the distress caused to everyone who witnessed the incident.
"There was an incident after an altercation over a free kick being awarded which resulted in a Midhurst & Easebourne player becoming badly injured on the pitch needing urgent medical assistance, meaning the match could not be resumed and needed to be abandoned by the referee.
"This was an isolated incident involving an individual. These actions do not reflect the values of our club, players or volunteers.
"We will comply fully as a club with the West Sussex Football League and the county FA's protocols and any actions they may take.
"The club will make no further comment on this matter.”
The incident came to light on Saturday night when Midhurst and Easebourne FC issued a statement saying they were deeply shocked at what had happened.
On Sunday afternoon, the Midhurst club revealed the extent of the player’s injuries, saying: “We are now pleased to say he has been discharged from hospital after suffering severe damage to his internal mouth, a broken bone in his jaw, and a high chance of requiring surgery to fix the injury further.”
A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “Officers are investigating a report that on Saturday afternoon (31 October) at around 2.20pm, an altercation took place on the pitch at Midhurst Town football club in Dodsley Grove, Easebourne.
“It was reported that one player was assaulted, leading to him sustaining a serious injury and attending hospital for treatment.
“Enquiries to establish the circumstances remain underway. No arrests have been made at this time.
“As the investigation continues, we ask witnesses or anyone with relevant footage to contact police. You can do this online, or by calling 101 quoting reference 932 of 31/10.”