Clubs Need Funding To Create 'safe Environment' - Heatley

Carrick Rangers guardant Paul Heatley said he hopes his wounded against Bangor connected Saturday will item nan urgent request to merchandise backing to clubs to upgrade stadium accommodation crossed Northern Ireland.

The 38-year-old collided pinch nan wall surrounding nan transportation astatine Taylors Avenue 8 minutes into nan 2nd half of his side's Irish Premiership game.

He received curen astatine nan broadside of nan transportation and was taken to infirmary aft being placed into nan ambulance connected a stretcher, earlier being discharged connected Sunday.

The determination was past made to abandon nan fixture by referee Christopher Morrison arsenic location was nary ambulance successful spot aft Heatley was transported from nan ground.

Carrick were 1 of 20 clubs who progressed to nan adjacent shape successful a bid to unafraid a portion of nan Northern Ireland Football Fund.

They applied for £5.8m for improvements to Taylors Avenue, but will person to spell done different shape of appraisal earlier immoderate backing is handed retired pinch nary timeline successful spot for nan adjacent steps.

Posting connected societal media connected Monday, Heatley called for "immediate funding" to beryllium released to Irish League clubs to guarantee "nothing for illustration this ever happens to immoderate subordinate successful nan future".

"Thank you to everyone for each nan messages of support from my ain nine and team-mates to nan wider footballing organization it has been genuinely incredible," he said.

"To nan coaches, physios and doctors of some Carrick Rangers FC and Bangor FC I americium everlastingly grateful, on pinch nan astonishing attraction fixed to maine from nan ambulance service.

"A very typical shoutout to nan stewards and nan girls successful nan nine shop for looking aft my children whilst I received treatment, nary kid should witnesser specified a segment astatine a shot lucifer and you kept them distracted and entertained throughout, convey you all. A fewer restless nights laic up but will return that, knowing it could person ended overmuch worse.

"I dream this incident highlights nan request for contiguous backing to beryllium released for Irish League clubs to supply a proper, safe situation for players, unit and supporters, to guarantee thing for illustration this ever happens to immoderate subordinate successful nan future.

"With powerfulness comes responsibility, truthful for those successful powerfulness and authority astir nan Irish league, use and funding, nan work lies pinch you.

"Thanks again to everyone."