The sixth tier fixture between Bath City and Dulwich Hamlet ended prematurely due to a serious head injury to Alex Fletcher. According to witnesses at Twerton Park, Fletcher was challenging for the ball with an opponent when he was "unintentionally pushed" into the hoardings.

The 23 year-old went head first into the hoardings, which are screwed on to a concrete wall, and lost consciousness. The medics rushed onto the field of play to treat him while the referee took the players off the pitch so that an ambulance could be brought on.

Play was stopped for 30 minutes, but, with no sign of improvement and after consultation with both clubs, the fixture was abandoned. The incident brought back memories of what happened in Croatia in 2008 when Zadar's Hrvoje Custic hit his head against a concrete wall and sadly died while playing against Cibalia.

"This evening's game has been abandoned and will be played at a later date. Everyone at the club is deeply saddened by tonight's events and it has been agreed that the game will not resume. Our best wishes and thoughts are with Alex Fletcher," Bath City wrote moments after the decision to abandon the clash was made.

Fletcher underwent emergency neurosurgery and currently remains in intensive care in hospital in a stable but critical condition. This led to numerous clubs from all across the English footballing pyramid sending their best wishes to the player and his club.

Alex Fletcher's parents issued a statement on Wednesday morning to give an update on their son: "Unfortunately Alex has sustained a severe head injury as a result of last night's events. Alex's family would like to thank everyone for their best wishes that have been sent," they said. The club also called for the family's privacy to be respected and once again showed their love and support for Alex Fletcher and his family at such a difficult time.

Bath City are 8th on 28 points while Dulwich Hamlet are 19th with 17 points, but the most important thing for all concerned is the well-being of Alex Fletcher.

November 9, 2022

A. Fletcher

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