Non-league football team Bath City have postponed their next two matches with one of their players in a critical condition in intensive care after crashing head-first into a pitch-side concrete advertising board.
There was immediate concern for Alex Fletcher, 23, following the sickening collision in the fifth minute of their last match against Dulwich Hamlet.
After an initial stoppage of 30 minutes, to allow the striker some treatment, the match was abandoned as he left Twerton Park in an ambulance.
Though exact circumstances remain unclear, some fans on social media said Fletcher was knocked out after challenging for possession and being unintentionally shoved into the advertising hoarding.
Fletcher was playing for Bath City against Dulwich Hamlet in the National League South, the country's sixth tier of football - with the first four being professional ranks, topped by the Premier League.
It has since been decided that their next league match, at home against Worthing, and their Somerset Cup match against Nailsea and Tickenham, as a result of Fletcher's current condition.
'The club would like to thank all those involved for their understanding, as well as the wider community for their touching messages of support,' the club said in a statement on Thursday.
'We continue to send our unconditional love, strength and support to Alex and his family.'
On Wednesday, his parents, Paul and Ali, revealed that Fletcher required emergency brain surgery to stabilise his condition.
'He remains in a stable but critical condition,' the parents' statement read.
A review will now be conducted that will examine all the circumstances leading to Fletcher's serious injury.
A post from Dulwich Hamlet read: 'Due to the serious injury sustained by Alex Fletcher, both teams have agreed to abandon the game.
'For now the most important thing is the safety and recovery of Alex, and from everyone connected with Dulwich, we wish him a speedy and full recovery.'
The match was 0-0 when the referee chose to abandon.
In a statement, the Vanarama National League said: 'Everyone at The National League sends their best wishes to Bath City's Alex Fletcher.
'We, like everyone, hope to hear positive news very soon and wish Alex a speedy recovery.'
Leslie Knott, a fan at the game, tweeted a photo of fans being asked to leave after the 30-minute stoppage did little to alleviate the injury Fletcher had sustained.
'Went to watch Bath City FC vs Dulwich & Hamlet tonight,' the tweet read.
'After 5 mins play there was a player down (Alex Fletcher) after he crashed into advertising and suffered serious injury. After 30 mins stoppage the game was abandoned as they were waiting for an ambulance.'
The former Plymouth prospect Fletcher joined Bath in January 2021 and was named Player of the Year after scoring 19 goals last season.