An ice hockey match had to be abandoned and fans told to leave the arena after a player suffered a “serious injury” during a game.
Nottingham Panthers star Adam Johnson reportedly took a skate to the neck during a clash with Sheffield Steelers, reports the Daily Star. The game, at the Utilita Arena, was abandoned in the 35th minute on Saturday night.
Screens were brought onto the rink while paramedics gave Johnson emergency treatment. The rest of the players returned to the dressing room while the 8,000 fans were told to head to the exit.
According to the Daily Mail, Yorkshire Ambulance Service were called around 8.20pm. They sent two ambulances and a critical care paramedic.
Johnson was then taken to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital. Fans have since taken to social media to wish the player a speedy recovery.
One wrote: “That was undoubtedly the worst thing I’ve ever seen happen, I’m so sorry. We’re all absolutely sick with worry, praying for a miracle.”
While another said: “Stuff of nightmares at the Panthers game tonight, praying for Adam Johnson.”
A third commented: “My 17-year-old has come home in bits, he said he can’t un-see what he’s seen tonight. He’s white as a sheet. My thoughts and prayers are with the teams involved.”
Johnson joined the Panthers for the 2023/24 season in August. The American center has previously played for clubs in Germany, Sweden and his home country.
