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A young footballer is fighting for his life after an incident during a suburban match in Melbourne’s north.
Advanced life support paramedics and a mobile intensive care ambulance were called to the Lalor Football Club on Sydney Court after midday on Saturday following reports of a football injury.
Police confirmed a 27-year-old man had sustained a serious head injury during the game, but that there was “no evidence of criminality during the incident”.
An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said emergency services responded to the call at 12.55pm and transported one patient in a critical condition to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
The match between the Lalor and Epping reserves teams was abandoned after the third-quarter incident, according to the match report.
In a statement later on Saturday, Epping Football Club said both the reserves and senior games had been cancelled.
“We will provide updates on the situation when and where appropriate,” the statement said.
“For now, we keep everyone involved in our sincerest thoughts and sincerely thank everyone who assisted during and after the incident.
“A very big thank you to Lalor for all of your support.”
In their own statement on Saturday evening, the Lalor Football Netball Club said they wished the injured player, who remains in a critical condition in hospital, a “speedy recovery”.
“We would also like to sincerely thank the players, coaches, officials, medical personnel, emergency services, and supporters from both clubs who assisted and supported those involved throughout the incident,” the statement said.
“Football comes second on days like today. Our focus remains on the wellbeing of the player and everyone affected.
“We thank Epping Football Netball Club for their support and cooperation during a difficult afternoon.”
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