The football match was cancelled after a shocking incident in which a player crashed into a concrete boundary wall. The Taylor’s Avenue fixture between the Carrick Rangers and Bangor FC ended abruptly after Paul Heatley hit the pitch-side barrier. The horrifying clash took place later, prompting a delay of more than 30 minutes before referee Christopher Morrison chose to abandon the encounter.
Bangor was 1-0 on Ben Arthur’s 14-minute strike during the Heatley and was carrier on the concrete boundary wall of Taylor’s Avenue while trying to deliver the cross. “This afternoon’s match was abandoned after a long halt to attend Paul Heatley, which collided with the surrounding walls. Our idea at this moment is to think of Paul for a complete and quick recovery.”
Crusaders veteran Heatley is featured under former Carrick Cruce boss Stephen Baxter. Baxter provided an update after the match, confirming that Heatley was rushed to the hospital after the horrifying clash.
“The good news is he was talking to us, he was awake,” Baxter said. “We heard the sound and were 150 yards away, thankful that the board was on the wall.
“My head is split up so badly. He’s now gone to the hospital to assess everything. There’s a neck injury there, a trauma to the head, and all sorts of things you’re worried about.
“The healthcare workers today were amazing. I knew there was a problem right away. I cried out to the doctors and physics.
“Thankfully, Paul was awake. His eyes were open and I could tell them. His wife was there. Our thoughts were with the family.
“He is a strong boy, he is made of good things, he is fine. We are waiting for the good news.
Regarding the specific barriers surrounding the pitch, Baxter revealed: “We were here on Thursday.
“Finally, soccer is just a game. On behalf of everyone here, I hope Paul recovers quickly as he is the absolute superstar of this football club.”
