National League match abandoned as player taken to hospital as paramedics rush onto pitch after sickening collision

National League match abandoned as player taken to hospital as paramedics rush onto pitch after sickening collision

A National League match was abandoned following a sickening collision between two players on the pitch.

Medics rushed onto the pitch deep into stoppage time of the match between Eastleigh and Scunthorpe United on Tuesday night.

3 The match at Eastleigh's Silverlake Stadium was suddenly stopped and subsequently abandoned Credit: Getty

Defender Archie Harris, who joined Eastleigh on loan from Bournemouth, and Scunthorpe defender Jean Belehouan were the two players involved as they received their urgent attention.

It's understood that flags were put around to protect the players as they received their treatment.

Paramedics then came onto the pitch with an ambulance being called.

The referee subsequently took off the distraught players off the pitch before taking the decision to abandon the match.

The collision was first reported at 9:38pm, with an announcement that the match had been abandoned coming at 9:46pm.

Harris and Belehouan's health update

Eastleigh revealed that Harris was taken to hospital at 10:55pm, but said the player was conscious and talking.

Meanwhile, Scunthorpe said that Belehouan responded well to an medical checks.

"Eastleigh Football Club can confirm that Archie Harris has been admitted to hospital and is conscious and talking," the south coast club wrote.

"We will provide further updates to supporters in due course. We’re all with you, Archie."

Meanwhile, Scunthorpe said that Belehouan responded well to an medical checks.

A statement from Scunthorpe read: "MATCH ABANDONED.

3 An update on Harris' health has now been issued Credit: Getty

"A sour note to end the game for both teams here at the Silverlake Stadium, as the game is abandoned due to the medical incidents infield.

"Our thoughts continue to be with both players here at the Silverlake Stadium as supporters are asked to leave the venue.

"Jean Belehouan is currently sat up while treatment continues, and is currently responding to our medical staff. He is transferred onto a wheelchair. We will allow Eastleigh to report on their player themselves, who we sent our best wishes to.

"JB is taken from the field of play - we send our best wishes for a speedy recovery, and will update supporters as and when appropriate. A big thank you to everyone for your support this evening - have a safe journey home."

Scunthorpe then tweeted at 10.18pm: "Jean Belehouan has returned to the dressing room following treatment and will continue to be assessed and monitored.

"At this stage, JB appears to be responding well to testing. As soon as there are any other updates we will update."

3 Belehouan, who had a brief trial at AFC Wimbledon, has not been taken to hospital Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

Harris was an unused substitute in two of Bournemouth's Premier League matches last season.

The 20-year-old grew up in Bournemouth and is a graduate from their academy having first joined them aged 11.

Harris has also spent time on loan at Torquay United in the National League.

He is the son of former Eastleigh player Andy Harris, who made 101 appearances for the Spitfires between 2006-09.

Ivory Coast-born Belehouan began his pro career at Sheffield United having come through their academy. He was also in Manchester United's academy earlier in his childhood.

The 25-year-old left Bramall Lane in 2023 to join League Two Tranmere Rovers.

The 2024/25 season saw him go to National League Gateshead before joining Scunthorpe in the summer.

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