National League club share update on player rushed to hospital after sickening collision in abandoned match

National League club Eastleigh have provided an update on one of their players after he was rushed to hospital in an abandoned match.

Medics rushed onto the pitch deep into stoppage time of the match between Eastleigh and Scunthorpe United on Tuesday night.

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Defender Archie Harris, who joined Eastleigh on loan from Bournemouth, and Scunthorpe defender Jean Belehouan were the two players involved as they received their urgent attention.

It’s understood that flags were put around to protect the players as they received their treatment.

Paramedics then came onto the pitch with an ambulance being called.

The referee subsequently took off the distraught players off the pitch before taking the decision to abandon the match.

The collision was first reported at 9:38pm, with an announcement that the match had been abandoned coming at 9:46pm.

Harris was then rushed to hospital to receive further treatment.

Harris and Belehouan’s health update

Eastleigh have confirmed that Harris has been discharged from hospital after a CT scan came back clear.

They said: “Archie Harris has now been discharged from hospital following a CT scan and several other tests which have come back as all clear.

“As advised by doctors, Archie will have 48 hours of complete rest before following the concussion guidelines.

“We are all fully behind Archie during his recovery.”

Hi family also provided an update, which read: “Archie is back at home and sleeping now after being discharged from the hospital in the early hours of the morning.

“He has a banging headache, a lump on his head, and is a little unsteady on his feet, but the CT scan came back as all clear, and he will now follow the strict, necessary guidelines towards making a full recovery.

“Our thoughts remain with Jean Belehouan, who we are relieved to hear is feeling better too.

“We would like to thank the Eastleigh and Scunthorpe supporters, as well as the wider football community, for their support and wishes during this time.

“We would also like to express out gratitude to all medical teams and officials who attended to both Archie and Jean.”

Meanwhile, Scunthorpe said that Belehouan returned on the team coach.

In a statement, they said: “Our own Jean Belehouan travelled back on the team coach last night following medical attention at the Silverlake Stadium, with the bus not returning to the Attis Arena until around 6am.

“Having touched base with JB briefly this morning, he’s feeling much better and thanks everyone for their well wishes and messages.”

The match was abandoned, and the National League are yet to decide if the game will need to be replayed.

At the time of the incident, the match was 1-1 after a late equalsier from Harvey Sanders cancelled out Declan Howe’s goal.

A statement from Scunthorpe read: “MATCH ABANDONED.

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“A sour note to end the game for both teams here at the Silverlake Stadium, as the game is abandoned due to the medical incidents infield.

“Our thoughts continue to be with both players here at the Silverlake Stadium as supporters are asked to leave the venue.

“Jean Belehouan is currently sat up while treatment continues, and is currently responding to our medical staff. He is transferred onto a wheelchair. We will allow Eastleigh to report on their player themselves, who we sent our best wishes to.

“JB is taken from the field of play – we send our best wishes for a speedy recovery, and will update supporters as and when appropriate. A big thank you to everyone for your support this evening – have a safe journey home.”

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Harris was an unused substitute in two of Bournemouth’s Premier League matches last season.

The 20-year-old grew up in Bournemouth and is a graduate from their academy having first joined them aged 11.

Harris has also spent time on loan at Torquay United in the National League.

He is the son of former Eastleigh player Andy Harris, who made 101 appearances for the Spitfires between 2006-09.

Ivory Coast-born Belehouan began his pro career at Sheffield United having come through their academy. He was also in Manchester United’s academy earlier in his childhood.

The 25-year-old left Bramall Lane in 2023 to join League Two Tranmere Rovers.

The 2024/25 season saw him go to National League Gateshead before joining Scunthorpe in the summer.