Scunthorpe's clash with Eastleigh abandoned after head injury scare
Players from both sides were visibly shaken and a lengthy stoppage time was required
Scunthorpe United’s unbeaten start to the season remains intact - but their trip to Eastleigh ended in abandonment after a serious head injury late in the game.
The Iron had taken the lead through substitute Declan Howe with just minutes to go, before Eastleigh’s Harvey Saunders struck to level the score.
But the action on the pitch was secondary when Scunthorpe defender Jean Belehouan and Eastleigh’s Archie Harris collided in the air, both needing urgent medical attention.
With players from both sides visibly shaken and a lengthy stoppage required, the referee called the match off in the closing stages.
Both players were reported to be responsive afterwards.
The National League will confirm in due course what happens with the fixture following the abandonment.
"horrific incident"
In a statement on the club website, Scunthorpe United said: "Unfortunately, what would happen next in the game would be a horrific incident to witness that brought the game to an early end.
"After both going up for a spiralling loose ball there would be a clash of heads between Scunthorpe defender Jean Belehouan and the Spitfires' Archie Harris leaving both players in a terrible state on the floor requiring medical assistance.
"After what felt like a lifetime of silence around the stadium, the referee would opt to do the only thing he could and abandon the fixture with all involved unsure of what comes next.
"Of course, the result became the lowest priority on the evening although we are happy to report that both players have shown positive signs with both remaining responsive throughout."