AJAX’S match against RKC Waalwijk has been abandoned after goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen suffered a devastating injury.
The shot-stopper was knocked unconscious on the pitch in a sickening collision with Ajax’s Brian Brobbey.
Players immediately called for physios to attend to Vaessen, 28, as he lay on the pitch motionless in worrying scenes.
His team-mates and manager Henk Fraser appeared visibly distraught as Vaessen received medical attention.
Stewards held up covers to shield the goalkeeper from view as medics attended to him.
Players walked off the pitch in tears as the game was abandoned.
Vaessen was eventually taken from the field on a stretcher, with his club revealing he regained consciousness.
RKC said: “After extensive medical examination, he is conscious and has been transported to hospital for further examination.
“We are extremely shocked by the incident. We wish Etienne a lot of strength and strength and hope to have him with us again soon.”
RKC director Frank van Mosselveld told Dutch broadcaster NOS: “Etienne was knocked out for a while.
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“Our medical staff started reanimation straightaway but it looks like it wasn’t a problem with his heart. He was conscious again when he left the field but he did not know where he was.”
Ajax were leading the Eredivisie game 3-2 before it was called off.
The Dutch giants wished Vaessen well, tweeting: “The match has been temporarily halted due to an apparently serious medical situation. We are thinking of you, Etienne.
“This is about more than football. Praying you’re okay, Etienne.”
Other fans shared their well wishes, saying Etienne was in their prayers.
One wrote: “Pray for Etienne Vaessen. He was involved in a collision with Brobbey of Ajax and its looking serious”
Another added: “Thoughts and prayers to Etienne Vaessen and his family and right now 💙”
And a third said: “Stay strong Etienne. We hope to hear good news and that Etienne recovers quickly. 💪”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
