Former Manchester United prodigy Angel Gomes was hospitalised after a horrific head injury during his Lille match.
The 23-year-old midfielder was involved in a mid-air clash with Reims defender Amadou Kone, leading to Kone's dismissal and Gomes receiving extensive on-pitch treatment for over 20 minutes.
Lille players encircled the injured Gomes while fans from both sides at Stade Auguste Delaune chanted his name in solidarity for 10 minutes. Gomes was subsequently stretchered off to an ambulance.
Lille expressed gratitude on their social media, stating: "Thanks to the Reims supporters who sang the name of Angel Gomes. The game has not yet resumed, but both teams are warming up again."
After play resumed with the scoreline at 0-0, the first half saw an additional 34 minutes due to the stoppage. Lille seized the lead as Bafode Diakite netted a goal, dedicating his celebration to Gomes by holding up his shirt.
Gomes' appearance against Reims signified his fourth season start in Ligue 1 with Lille, having signed with them in 2020 post his departure from Old Trafford. Touted as one of United's most promising talents of the century by academy staff, Gomes struggled to cement his place in the senior squad.
His initial year with Lille was spent on loan at Boavista in Portugal.
Angel Gomes has opened up about his 'difficult decision' to leave Manchester United, revealing the emotional turmoil he faced during the process. The young star, who clinched the under-21 European Championship with England last summer and captained the victorious England U17 team at the 2017 World Cup, spoke candidly to L'Equipe in November 2023 about his departure and his hopes for a return.
"It was a very difficult decision. In my heart, I wanted to leave, in my head, I was thinking of staying. But I had to follow my heart. I felt that I needed to take another step in my career," Gomes shared.
He continued: "I felt that had I stayed, there wouldn't be a lot of opportunities for me. Luis Campos [former Lille sporting director] and Lille spoke about their project and I believed in it even more, that's what convinced me to move - the faith Lille had in me."
Gomes also expressed his longing to return to Old Trafford one day, saying: "Do I imagine myself coming back one day? Obviously, it's home. I would love to come back. But you never know in football. I just have to keep my feet on the ground, and keep playing, making the most of it. I can't predict what will happen in the future."
