Zak Sturge, a Millwall defender, was sent to hospital with a head injury after being smacked in the face at Portsmouth.
The England Under-18 international absorbed the full impact of Pompey striker Terry Devlin’s cross.
It was a terrible strike from four yards that threw the player’s head back.
Referee Michael Salisbury promptly halted the game at 32 minutes to allow physios to attend to the player.
After a four-minute delay, Sturge was stretchered off the field to an ambulance.
Both sets of spectators at Fratton Park applauded the left-back off the pitch.
Portsmouth conveyed well wishes to the defender following his troubling injury.
The hosts tweeted, “Sending our best wishes to the Lions’ defender.”
EFL fans have used social media to show their support for the Millwall star.
One supporter tweeted, “Best wishes.”
This fan commented, “I hope he’s well.”
And that one said, “Very unlucky.”
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