‘Deeply shocked’ – Club issue statement after cup tie abandoned as incident leaves player hospitalised
A cup tie between two West Sussex Football League teams was abandoned after an incident which eft a player needing to go to hospital.
Midhurst and Easebourne FC’s second team – who play under the name Midhurst and Easebourne Community – were playing Emsworth Town in a home Malcolm Simmonds Memorial Cup match at the Rotherfield.
The full details of the incident on Saturday afternoon have not been revealed but police and league officials have been involved as investigations continue.
Midhurst and Easebourne said in a statement on Saturday night: “Following the abandonment of our community team fixture this afternoon at the Rotherfield in the Malcolm Simmonds Memorial Cup, we can confirm that two Midhurst players were involved in a serious incident, with one requiring hospital treatment. As a result, the match was abandoned after 20 minutes.
“As a club we are deeply shocked that an incident of this nature has occurred during a game that should be enjoyed by everyone involved.
"We would like to extend our sincere thanks to South East Coast Ambulance Service and the club’s first aid-trained staff, who provided outstanding care and support to our player and his family during a very difficult situation.
"We are working closely with Sussex Police and the West Sussex Football Club as enquiries continue. Our priority remains the wellbeing and recovery of the player involved.
"At this stage no further comment will be made. We kindly ask that the privacy of the player, his family, team-mates, club officials and all those affected by today’s events is respected.
"We will provide updates through our official channels when appropriate and when further information is available. ***#OneClub #OneCommunity #OneVision.”