A rugby match in Fife had to be abandoned at the weekend after a player was seriously hurt during open play.
Kirkcaldy’s cup game against Hillhead Jordanhill at Beveridge Park on Saturday was cut short after just 38 minutes when Hillhead’s No 8 Tonci Buzov went down following an innocuous one-on-one challenge when he was carrying the ball.
The Croatian was immediately cared for by match physio Michael McIntyre and Hills’ second row forward Dr Callum Stove, as well as Kirkcaldy’s club doctor Keith Ferguson, and spectators looked on anxiously as Mr Buzov lay motionless on the pitch.
Mr Buzov was taken by ambulance to Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital for further treatment before being transferred to Glasgow’s Southern General Hospital, where it is understood he has undergone surgery on a complicated fracture of his upper vertebrae.
Hillhead spokesman Bernie Mitchell thanked staff at the Victoria for their efforts, as well as all those who assisted on the pitch and who have wished the player well following the incident.
“We are all hoping and praying for the best of outcomes,” he said.
Those sentiments were echoed by Kirkcaldy Rugby Club president Derek Harper.
“The game was abandoned and of course there’s no argument about that when something like this happens you’ve got to do what’s necessary,” he said.
“Hillhead had a doctor playing for them and our doctor was on hand as well so he was very well cared for.
“I had a message to say he was going to be operated on so all we can do is pass on our best wishes.”
Mr Buzov was cared for in Kirkcaldy overnight on Saturday before being transferred to Glasgow on Sunday morning, and was supported during his stay in Kirkcaldy by both Hillhead Jordanhill head coach Bill Macdonald and AJ McFarlane, the Glasgow club’s 1st XV captain.
There was no further news on the player’s condition, although it is understood any long-term paralysis has been ruled out.