Three Doncaster Belles players in hospital after horror match injuries

Three Doncaster Rovers Belles players were taken to hospital after suffering a string of serious injuries in weekend matches.

U21s players Olivia Harvey and Fran Ward and captain Ruby Jex-Oldfield ended up in A&E, the club said in a statement.

Telling supporters of the incident via social media, a club spokesperson said: “We love football. We live for the highs, the moments of joy, the friendships, the victories and everything this beautiful game gives us.

“But some days are tougher than others. Today (Sunday) was certainly one of those days.

“Across two games, three of our players were taken to hospital.

“Olivia Harvey and Fran Ward from our U21s team against Rotherham first team, and our captain Ruby Jex-Oldfield, who suffered a serious knee injury for the first team against Barnsley U21s.

“At least two of those injuries came from completely innocent challenges. One involved a 17-year-old goalkeeper making her first senior start for the club.

“As coaches and as a management team, we take on a responsibility that goes far beyond football.

“These aren’t just players who pull on a shirt for us.

“They’re young people with jobs, school, ambitions and lives away from the pitch.

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“We celebrate their successes, share their disappointments and, on days like today, offer them as much support as possible.

“We talk so much in football about results, performances, league tables and winning. And rightly so, because competition is part of what makes the game special.

“But sometimes we’re reminded that the most important result is everyone walking off the pitch healthy, going home and being able to get up for work/school on Monday morning and carry on with their lives.

“Football matters enormously to all of us. But the people who play it will always matter more.

“Tonight, the results feel a little less important. Our thoughts and very best wishes are with Olivia Harvey, Fran Ward and Ruby Jex-Oldfield. We wish all three a full and speedy recovery.”

The club’s game against Barnsley was abandoned following the injury, with Belles leading 6-0 at the time.