Charlton’s Charlotte Kerr has left hospital after suffering a badly-bruised sternum and ribs in the Women’s Championship game with Manchester United on Sunday.
The match was abandoned after Kerr suffered the injury following a collision and she was taken to hospital in an ambulance. Scans have shown the injury to be heavy bruising and she will now be treated by her club’s medical staff.
A statement from the club read: “The Charlton Athletic Women’s team club doctor, medical teams from Charlton Athletic Women, Manchester United Women and the ambulance service were able to prevent a serious incident from becoming a lot worse and the club would like to thank everyone who assisted.
“We would also like to thank all the individuals across the footballing community that have sent their best wishes to Charlotte.”
Kerr herself tweeted late on Sunday night: “Thank you everyone for the kind messages, really appreciate the support.” United were winning 1-0 thanks to Charlie Devlin’s 11th-minute goal when the incident occurred.
The game was stopped for nearly an hour as the players were sent back to the changing rooms while Kerr received treatment on the field of play.
The referee has decided to abandon the match due to medical reasons. We will bring you details on rearranged details and ticket news in due course. Thanks for your support #cafc
— Charlton Athletic Women (@CAFCWomen) January 13, 2019
An ambulance was called to Oakwood, in south-east London, but it did not arrive for around 30 minutes, during which time the defender received lengthy treatment on the pitch from both sets of medical staff.
It is believed the game was abandoned after all the emergency oxygen had been used, it being a requirement to have a supply on site during a game.
FA WSL and Women’s Championship Competition Rules state: “Clubs shall ensure that emergency sports first aid equipment is present and in full working order at each Competition Match. Such equipment to include as a minimum a spinal board, cervical collar, fracture splints, crutches, stretchers, oxygen and a defibrillator.”
An FA spokesperson said: “Everyone at the FA wishes Charlotte Kerr a full and speedy recovery following an injury during the match today between Charlton Athletic Women and Manchester United Women. The FA Women’s Championship has thorough matchday medical requirements and we are currently in communication with both clubs to understand more about the incident and will await the referee’s report.”
Manchester United sit second in the Women’s Championship, two points above Charlton and two points behind Tottenham who leapfrogged them into first following their 3-0 win at Lewes. However, Casey Stoney’s side have played a game less than but Spurs and Charlton.
