WARNING: Graphic
Sheffield United’s Chris Basham has suffered a horror injury in today’s game against Fulham.
Basham attempted to cross the ball into the Fulham box when his ankle gave way and was badly broken, The Sun reports.
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Basham’s ankle gave way from underneath him and it was immediately apparent that he was in serious discomfort.
The game then underwent a lengthy delay as Basham was treated on the field.
The 35-year-old had to be given oxygen by ambulance staff as he lay on the Craven Cottage turf.
Concerned manager Paul Heckingbottom broke protocol by entering the field of play and providing support for his player.
He was eventually moved onto a stretcher by the medics and taken away from the stadium.
In a heartwarming moment, both sets of fans applauded Basham for his bravery in the face of the injury.
Basham was able to wave his hand to fans in the crowd to thank them for their support despite clearly being in considerable pain.
An ambulance has now taken Basham away from the stadium to hospital.
Images of the ankle break were so horrific that replays were not shown.
A total of 14 minutes of added time were added onto the first-half to make up for the significant delay at Craven Cottage.
Sheffield United wrote on Twitter: “Jack Robinson replaces Chris Basham who leaves Craven Cottage on a stretcher following a lengthy stoppage in play. We send our best wishes to Bash, and will communicate updates as and when we have them.”
Fulham added: “We’ve had a lengthy stoppage following a really nasty injury for Chris Basham, who will be stretchered off the pitch. We’re all sending you our best wishes, Chris.”
Sky Sports pundit Michael Dawson told presenter Simon Thomas that he could not watch a replay of the injury – such was the severity of it.
He said on Soccer Saturday: “We’ve had a nasty injury here, Si.
“He just goes to cross the ball. There may have been a coming together, he may have planted his foot. I struggled to watch it the second time unfortunately.
“He’s down with a very, very bad injury and best wishes to Chris Basham. We’ve got a stoppage in play, paramedics are on … get well soon Chris.”
Fulham would go on to win 3-1 once the game got back underway.
This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.