National League match abandoned as paramedics storm pitch and game ends in chaos

A national league match was forced to be adandoned tonight deep into stoppage time as paramedics were forced to rush onto the pitch after two players smashed heads

Paramedics rushed onto pitch tonight to treat players after a national league match was abandoned. Scunthorpe travelled to Silverlake Stadium just outside of Southampton to face Eastleigh on Tuesday night. The two sides were locked at 1-1 deep into injury time.

However, a terrifying bash of heads in the 97th minute led to both players requiring emergency attention. Paramedics ran on to treat Archie Harris – on loan from Bournemouth – and Jean Belehouan while an ambulance was called for.

The referee took both sets of distraught players off the pitch before making the decision to abandon the match. Scunthorpe updated fans with posts on X as the match stopped.

The Iron wrote: “90+7’ Butler is incensed by a challenge on Jean Belehouan that looks horrendously bad for both players involved. Urgent medical attention needed for both players.

“90+8’ An ambulance is shouted for as the crowd goes really quiet. Our thoughts are with both the Eastleigh player and Jean Belehouan while they receive treatment as flags are put around the incident while treatment is undertaken.

“100’ The referee tells both sets of players to go to the changing rooms with a number of distraught looks from both sets of players. Our thoughts continue to be with both players as they are treated.

“102’ Belehouan gets to his feet momentarily, but goes back to the floor soon after. There’s a lot of concern in the Silverlake Stadium for both players.”

At 9.46 p.m. the club confirmed the match was abandoned. They wrote: “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.”

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