The goalkeeper of FC Engelen 4 was injured on Sunday afternoon in a collision with an opponent of RKDVC 11. He was hit on the head during the blow. An air ambulance landed on the field. The goalkeeper was taken to hospital for surgery because of possible internal brain damage. “We hope for a full recovery.”
Board member Wim van Sambeek of the Den Bosch football club reported on Sunday evening that the goalkeeper’s operation went well. “He will be kept asleep for a while. We hope for a full recovery, but that remains to be seen for now.”
The collision happened during a league match. The game with RKDVC 11 was then stopped, the score was 0-0.
‘Bad accident’
Van Sambeek calls it an unpleasant accident. “You can compare it with the collision between Etienne Vaessen and Brian Brobbey, in last Saturday’s match between RKC and Ajax. Our goalkeeper went for the ball and was hit in the head by a leg, foot or whatever from an RKDVC player. Everyone quickly realized that things were wrong. The opponent was also quite upset.”
Because the seriousness of the situation was immediately clear, 112 was immediately called. An air ambulance landed on the field. “Fortunately, that all happened very quickly. Meanwhile, one of the players from our fourth team, who has a military background, kept the peace. He also provided first aid together with another player,” says Van Sambeek.
After the goalkeeper was taken to the hospital in Tilburg, players and other involved parties from both teams were informed about his condition. Van Sambeek: “Swelling was found on the head and internal brain damage may have occurred.” After consultation with the KNVB and opponents, two other FC Engelen matches were canceled. “We are very pleased that all these parties have shown understanding and cooperation. Really nice,” Van Sambeek also says.