Van Hecke update
Jan Paul van Hecke was rushed to hospital in a neck brace following a sickening clash of heads with Yunus Konak during Brighton’s 4-2 defeat at Brentford.
The Seagulls defender required lengthy treatment and oxygen on the pitch before finally being carried off on a stretcher.
Van Hecke, 24, was later discharged from hospital following precautionary checks.
The worrying incident occurred deep into stoppage time.
Konak, 19, also needed to be substituted but was able to walk off the pitch.
Van Hecke, meanwhile, briefly sat up as he was assessed by medical staff, before being carefully laid back down and put on a stretcher.
Both sets of supporters applauded as the Dutchman was taken straight down the tunnel while receiving oxygen.
SunSport understands he was then carried into an ambulance in an oxygen mask and still in his kit.
His family checked in on him in the dressing room but were not with him in the ambulance.
Van Hecke’s eyes were open and responsive and goalkeeper and compatriot Bart Verbruggen rang his team-mate’s wife to reassure her as news of the collision spread.
Credit: Alamy