A tense National League fixture between Welling United and Barrow Town was abandoned in stoppage time following a severe head clash that left one player seriously injured and hospitalised.
The incident occurred late in the game at Wembley Park Stadium, when Welling defender Liam Carter collided with Barrow Town centre-back Tariq Ndiaye during a high aerial challenge. Both players collapsed to the ground immediately, prompting an extended medical intervention.
At the time of the stoppage, the score was level at 2-2. Welling had equalised just moments before, in the first minute of added time, when striker Danny Reeves bundled the ball over the line after a powerful header from Marcus Cole caused chaos in the Barrow penalty area. That goal cancelled out a late strike by Barrow’s Ryan Walsh, who had put the visitors ahead in the 88th minute.
Play continued briefly after the goal, but in the 7th minute of stoppage time, the referee halted the match after the collision between Carter and Ndiaye. Paramedics entered the pitch and administered immediate care, with both players lying motionless for several minutes.
Carter remained unconscious for a period and received oxygen on the field before being carefully stretchered off and transported to a nearby hospital for urgent scans and further evaluation. The club later confirmed he was conscious and able to speak during treatment and upon arrival at the hospital.
Welling United issued a statement on their social media platform:
"Liam is currently undergoing medical assessments at the hospital. He is conscious and communicating with medical staff. We will share further updates as they become available. Our full focus is on his wellbeing."
Ndiaye, meanwhile, sat up after several minutes and was assisted off the pitch in a wheelchair. He was taken to the dressing room for observation. Barrow Town later reported that the defender was responsive and undergoing neurological checks, with early signs appearing positive.
The referee, following advice from both medical teams and competition officials, made the decision to abandon the match rather than resume play. Players from both sides were escorted off the pitch, and fans were gradually cleared from the stands.
Barrow manager David Moss spoke after the incident:
"It was a shocking moment. Tariq is feeling numb on one side of his face and was clearly shaken — not just physically, but emotionally. Seeing a fellow professional in that state is difficult for anyone. We’re supporting him fully. Our thoughts, however, are first and foremost with Liam Carter. We wish him a full and swift recovery."
Welling manager Sam Nicholson echoed the sentiment:
"These situations remind us that football is secondary. Our priority is Liam’s health. The players were visibly affected. It’s a tough one for everyone involved."
The National League has confirmed it will review the circumstances and liaise with both clubs and medical staff in the coming days. The result of the abandoned match will be determined by the competition’s rules committee, with precedents typically leading to either a replay or a points split depending on the stage of the game.
This incident has reignited discussions around on-field medical protocols, concussion substitutes, and the need for longer stoppage time assessments in cases of head trauma.
Both clubs have urged fans to respect the privacy of the players and their families during this difficult time.
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