JAN PAUL VAN HECKE was rushed to hospital in a neck brace following a sickening clash of heads with Yunus Konak during Brighton’s 4-2 defeat at Brentford.
The Seagulls defender required lengthy treatment and oxygen on the pitch before finally being carried off on a stretcher.
Van Hecke, 24, was later discharged from hospital following precautionary checks.
The worrying incident occurred deep into stoppage time.
Konak, 19, also needed to be substituted but was able to walk off the pitch.
Van Hecke, meanwhile, briefly sat up as he was assessed by medical staff, before being carefully laid back down and put on a stretcher.
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Both sets of supporters applauded as the Dutchman was taken straight down the tunnel while receiving oxygen.
SunSport understands he was then carried into an ambulance in an oxygen mask and still in his kit.
His family checked in on him in the dressing room but were not with him in the ambulance.
Van Hecke’s eyes were open and responsive and goalkeeper and compatriot Bart Verbruggen rang his team-mate’s wife to reassure her as news of the collision spread.
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Brighton later confirmed that Van Hecke had been discharged from hospital following precautionary checks.
Their short statement read: “After being stretchered off at the end of today’s game, Jan Paul van Hecke was taken to hospital as a precaution but has now been discharged and is on his way back to Brighton.
“Thank you to everyone who sent us your messages of concern and support for JP.”
The stoppage in play lasted around 10 minutes in total.
Both sides had already made all five substitutions at the time of the incident, but were able to use concussion subs in order to replace their injured players.
Gustavo Nunes came on for Konak, who himself had only replaced Kevin Schade in the 87th minute.
While Seagulls January signing Eiran Cashin came on for Van Hecke.
The match eventually restarted, with around a minute played before the final whistle.
Bryan Mbeumo had given the Bees the lead on nine minutes, before Danny Welbeck equalised on the stroke of half-time.
Mbeumo reclaimed Brentford’s advantage shortly before half-time, with strike partner Yoane Wissa making it 3-1 shortly before the hour mark.
Brighton’s task was made even more difficult by Joao Pedro’s 61st minute red card.
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Kaoru Mitoma did pull one back for the visitors, but Christian Norgaard made the points safe for Thomas Frank’s men five minutes into stoppage time.
Brentford’s win saw them climb to within two points of tenth-placed Brighton in the table.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
