Footballer fighting for his life and manager injured after car 'rammed into pedestrians'

A footballer is fighting for his life after he and the club manager was injured in a horror car crash in which the vehicle ploughed into people on Saturday. Emergency services were called to Market Place in Arnold, Nottinghamshire shortly after 1pm on Saturday after reports that a red Vauxhall Astra had collided with several people.

Woodthorpe Park Rangers FC later confirmed three members of the club, including the manager, had been hit by the vehicle while the team had been out celebrating their end-of-season awards. In a statement posted on X, the Nottinghamshire Senior League club said: “3 members of our team including the manager was struck by a car in Arnold town centre, this has left one of our players fighting for his life in hospital.” Nottinghamshire Police said the incident happened after an “altercation” in the town centre a short time beforehand. Officers confirmed one man suffered life-threatening injuries, while four other men sustained injuries which were described as less serious.

The vehicle was abandoned at the scene and the driver fled on foot, police said.

A 40-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, who is leading the investigation, said: “We have shared this important update with the family of the seriously injured man and they are being supported by specialist officers.

“We would ask that people do not speculate about the circumstances around the incident and respect the privacy of those involved. Our investigation remains ongoing and we are keeping an open mind while these extensive inquiries continue.

“We’d like to thank those members of the public who have shared information with us but still want to hear from anyone else who can assist.

“Anyone who has relevant dashcam, CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage should also get in touch and share it with the investigation team. All road closures in the area have now been lifted and we’d like to thank local people for their understanding.”

As part of its statement, Woodthorpe Park Rangers FC added: “We are hoping and praying for our player who is a much loved lad by all, we’re supporting each other the best we can.

“We are all struggling right now and are asking for privacy and respect so we can get our heads around what has happened, this is a heartbreaking and awful time for our club.”