Etienne Vaessen: RKC Waalwijk v Ajax abandoned after goalkeeper knocked unconscious

A Dutch-top flight match between RKC Waalwijk and Ajax was abandoned after the home goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen was knocked unconscious.

Players frantically called for help and were in tears as a motionless Vaessen was treated on the pitch, with a screen put up.

His club said he regained consciousness while he was taken off on a stretcher.

RKC said: “After extensive medical examination, he is conscious and has been transported to hospital for further examination.

“We are extremely shocked by the incident. We wish Etienne a lot of strength and strength and hope to have him with us again soon.”

RKC director Frank van Mosselveld told Dutch broadcaster NOS: “Etienne was knocked out for a while.

“Our medical staff started reanimation straightaway but it looks like it wasn’t a problem with his heart. He was conscious again when he left the field but he did not know where he was.”

Ajax were leading Saturday’s Eredivisie game 3-2 before it was eventually abandoned.

“This is about more than football,” Ajax wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Praying you’re okay, Etienne.”