Bath City footballer Alex Fletcher has undergone emergency brain surgery and remains in a critical condition after suffering a serious head injury.
The striker, 23, was involved in a horrific incident during Tuesday evening’s National League South fixture between his side and Dulwich Hamlet. He crashed into the advertising hoardings surrounding the pitch in the fifth minute with the scores still level at 0-0 with an ambulance then being called shortly after.
The game was eventually abandoned whilst Fletcher received emergency treatment and was transported to hospital. Bath have now issued a statement on behalf of the forward’s family confirming that he has undergone surgery in an effort to stabilise his condition.
The statement read: “Unfortunately Alex has sustained a severe head injury as a result of last night’s events. He required emergency neurosurgery to stabilise his condition and was then admitted to intensive care where he remains in a stable but critical condition.
“Alex’s family would like to thank everyone for their best wishes that have been sent.
“No further comments will be made at this stage and we ask you all to respect the family’s privacy. Everyone at Bath City is sending their unconditional love, strength and support to Alex and his loved ones.”
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With the agreement being found to abandon the game, the evening’s opposition Dulwich Hamlet also issued their message of support for Fletcher.
It read: "Due to the serious injury sustained by Alex Fletcher, both teams have agreed to abandon the game. For now the most important thing is the safety and recovery of Alex, and from everyone connected with Dulwich, we wish him a speedy and full recovery."
In the meantime, the Vanarama National League also gave their thoughts to Fletcher after the shocking incident. Their statement read: “Everyone at The National League sends their best wishes to Bath City's Alex Fletcher.
“We, like everyone, hope to hear positive news very soon and wish Alex a speedy recovery.”
Fletcher was born in Newton Abbot and was handed his first opportunity with Plymouth Argyle, going on to make 25 appearances for the club, during which he scored once.
The striker spent time on loan with Torquay United, Aldershot Town and Tiverton Town before joining the latter permanently in 2020.
He joined Bath City later that year and netted an impressive 16 goals in 39 appearances during his first full campaign with the club, and a further three in other competitions. Fletcher harnessed his goalscoring reputation even further this season in the National League South, scoring eight goals in 17 appearances.
