BURNLEY’S footballing community united to send messages of support to former Claret Clarke Carlisle who was seriously injured in a collision with a lorry.

The 35-year old, who played for the club from 2007-2012, is understood to have been on foot when he was struck by a lorry.

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He remained in hospital last night after the incident on the A64, near York, on Monday morning.

His wife Gemma yesterday took to Twitter to announce he was “very poorly” but “alive and stable”.

 


 

Clarets fans also took to social media, telling of plans to show their support with a minute’s applause in the fifth minute on their Boxing Day match against Liverpool.

The former defender wore the number five shirt during his time as a player at Turf Moor.

A spokesman for the club said: “Everyone at the club was shocked to hear about Clarke.

“He is a much-loved and respected former player and is still in regular contact with the club, both as a past player and through his role as ambassador of the UCFB.

“At this difficult time the thoughts of everyone go out to Clarke, his wife Gemma, his children, family and friends and wish him a speedy recovery and hope he has a full return to health soon.

“We have been approached by supporters of the club who are really keen to show their support for Clarke’s plight.

“We will be supporting a minute applause in the fifth minute and will be showing an image of Clarke on the big screen to signal the start of the minute.”

Former Burnley defender Steven Caldwell said on Twitter: “Praying for my old partner Clarke Carlisle tonight. I know he’s a fighter. Get well soon Big Man.”

 


 

And Brian Jensen, former Burnley goalkeeper, tweeted: “Shocking news about my old team mate Clarke Carlisle. Absolutely devastated #prayforClarke.”

Burnley fan and former Downing Street communications chief Alastair Campbell tweeted: “Really hoping @clarkecarlisle going (to) be ok.

“Thoughts with Gemma/two lovely kids. A great @BurnleyOfficial man and mental health campaigner.”

During his time at the club he made more than 150 appearances and was man of the match when the club were promoted to the Premier League in 2009.

Yesterday morning, Gemma took to Twitter to thank the public, their friends and family for the messages of support, saying she was ‘overwhelmed’.

Later, she posted the first update on his condition, saying: “Clarke’s very poorly but he’s alive and stable. Best Christmas gift we as a family could wish for. Thanks again.”

North Yorkshire Police would not confirm that Carlisle was involved but said a 35-year-old man was airlifted to hospital after a serious incident involving a lorry and a pedestrian.

A spokesman said: “The collision involved a male pedestrian and a lorry.”