Melbourne City midfielder Luke Brattan is being monitored in hospital after he was taken from the field in an ambulance during their FFA Cup clash with Brisbane Roar amid fears of a serious head or neck injury.
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Play was stopped at Dolphin Stadium in Redcliffe for more than half an hour following a seemingly innocuous collision in the 36th minute involving Brattan and Stefan Mauk, who crossed from City to the Roar in the off-season.
Brattan slipped while challenging Mauk for the ball and appeared to cop an accidental boot to the head.
The 28-year-old was treated on the turf and later taken to Redcliffe Hospital as a precaution - but only after a lengthy stoppage as medicos awaited the arrival of an appropriately-equipped ambulance.
The precise nature of the injury is still not clear but it is reportedly not as bad as what the delay in play might have suggested.
A Melbourne City spokesperson said Brattan reported a pins and needles sensation in his arm but was able to move his legs.
Play continued after Brattan was taken from the pitch and substituted out of the match.
Australian Associated Press
