FORMER Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes was rushed to hospital after being knocked out playing for Lille.
Reims’ Amadou Kone saw red for the challenge and was seen praying for Gomes as the Englishman was treated on the pitch for 17 minutes.
Lille’s players stand next to Gomes as he is medics treat him[/caption] Rennes’ players walk next to Gomes as he is taken off on a stretcher[/caption] Gomes, pictured here playing last season, joined Lille from United in 2020[/caption]Players from both sides in the Ligue 1 match looked distraught and Gomes’ team-mates formed a circle around him as medics attended to him.
Lille later sent out an encouraging message that all supporters in the ground wanted to hear.
They posted: “We can confirm that Angel Gomes has regained consciousness and has been transferred to hospital. All our thoughts are with him.”
The Old Trafford academy product had eventually been taken off on a stretcher – to applause from all sides of the Stade de Reims.
Fans of both clubs chanted the name of the former Under-21 international.
And while the 23-year-old was being treated, Lille officials on the sidelines were clearly emotional.
The club posted at the time: “Thanks to the Reims supporters who sang the name of Angel Gomes.”
He was taken to hospital as the game was halted for 30 minutes – ahead of 34 minutes of first-half stoppage time.
MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from Old Trafford
Gomes left United for Lille four years ago and in the past two seasons has become an established player in the French top-flight.
He was rated a top prospect by the Red Devils but never gained a regular place.
And when Lille signed him they promptly sent him on loan to Portuguese side Boavista – before he was eased into Ligue 1 action the following campaign.
Last summer Gomes helped the Three Lions U-21s, under Lee Carsley, win the European Championship.
He also skippered England juniors to glory at U-17s level in the 2017 World Cup.