A FUNDRAISING page has been set up to help a Bradford Park Avenue player who suffered a serious leg injury. 

Saturday's match against Chorley FC was abandoned after Jake Hibbs suffered a serious leg injury after a challenge from the Magpies’ Harvey Smith.

The foul earned Smith a straight red card sending off, but Hibbs' injury was deemed so serious that the referee abandoned the match.

There was confusion as Smith was initially booked for his challenge, then given a red.

Both teams retreated to their dugouts while Hibbs was given treatment for a suspected fracture.

At 3.30pm it seemed play would restart but half-an-hour later - with an ambulance called to the ground - it was decided to abandon the match.

Following the news, Park Avenue manager Mark Bower said: “Our priority is to make sure Jake Hibbs is looked after and in a stable condition."

He added: "I'm devastated for him. He's looked fit and is a key player for us. Our thoughts are with him, his family and friends.

"It's the correct decision to abandon the match."

Chorley said on Twitter: "Everyone at Chorley FC would like to send their best wishes to Jake Hibbs for a full recovery."

Football fans are now clubbing together in a show of support to help Jake, who will be out of action for at least four months.

More than £3,500 has already been raised through the Go Fund Me Page. 

It says: "One of our Bradford Park Avenue players Jake Hibbs suffered a serious leg injury playing for the club on Saturday 28 August which means the landscape gardener is likely unable to work for a minimum of 16 weeks, in addition his partner who is heavily pregnant.

"This fundraising page is aimed to raise funds to support Jake financially over this period so we hope football fans will come together to support him."

In an update this afternoon, Park Avenue said: "Jake has successfully had surgery on a double leg fracture and is feeling well.

"We'd like to thank everyone Chorley FC, especially their medical staff and stewards who helped stabilise and support Jake on Saturday.

"Get well soon Hibbsy."

Midfielder Hibbs arrived on loan from Spennymoor Town in 2020 - his second stint at the Horsfall stadium having also impressed during a loan from Halfiax Town in 2017.

In May he agreed a deal with Avenue for this season.

At the time he said: “ I’m really excited to be signed up for another year. Last season was obviously another unfortunate year due to Covid, but I feel we were just starting to gel together as a team, so hopefully we can start were we left off last year and have a good season.”

Bower added: “He’s another player with an outstanding work ethic and versatility which is vital to our squad.” 

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/jake-hibbs-fundraiser