Sheffield United midfielder John Fleck, 30, spent the night in the hospital after collapsing during his team’s away game at Reading. The Scottish international was conscious and asked for the game’s result in the ambulance, according to Sheffield United manager Slavisa Jokanovic.
Fleck collapsed without being attacked by an opponent, as United was playing the ball 10s of meters away from him. Referee Andy Davies realized the situation was serious and stopped play immediately after Fleck’s teammates urged the medical team to enter the pitch. The doctors used an oxygen mask, then helped Fleck back to his feet minutes later as applause from both sets of supporters came in. Fleck left the pitch on a stretcher and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
“John is conscious. He is talking with the doctors and he’s now in good hands at the hospital,” Sheffield United manager Slavisa Jokanovic said after his team’s 1-0 away win on Tuesday evening in the English second tier.
“We expect everything will be fine. He is talking. He asked for the result of the game,” Jokanovic revealed. “I didn’t see in the game what happened. He just collapsed, without any physical contact around him. We pray everything is okay. I am sure everything will be okay,” the Sheffield United boss added.
The match was stopped for 11 minutes, as Fleck underwent treatment on the pitch. The game was then resumed and 13 minutes of stoppage time were added.
“The experience we all had today was so dramatic and so horrible. I hope John will return as soon as possible in good shape and to his normal life,” Reading boss Veljko Paunovic said. “Hopefully, he has no consequences from this incident. We send him the best regards. The same to his family and friends. Wish him a quick recovery.”
Fleck is now being treated at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
Fleck moved to Sheffield in 2016 from Coventry City. He’s a product of Glasgow Rangers, where he spent a total of seven years during his youth and senior career. Fleck is a five-time Scottish international, making his debut for the national team in 2019.
Together for Flecky. 💪 pic.twitter.com/w0Q2kAKQ3I
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) November 23, 2021
