Football
Former Rangers and Scotland star rushed to hospital after collapsing on pitch as kick-off delayed
Matthew Elder
By Matthew Elder
Deputy Sports Editor
0
Published 6th Feb 2025, 21:50 GMT
Updated 6th Feb 2025, 23:22 GMT
33 y/o suffers episode ahead of League Two clash
Sign up to our Football newsletter
Enter your email
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Notice and Terms of Service apply.
John Fleck, the former Rangers and Sheffield United midfielder, was taken to hospital on Thursday night after falling ill on the pitch.
The 33-year-old was named among the Chesterfield substitutes for the League Two match against Doncaster Rovers on Thursday night but suffered a medical episode during the pre-match warm-up which left his team-mates distressed.
Advertisement
Hide Ad
Fleck, who has been capped five times by Scotland, was surrounded by emergency services staff at the SMH Group Stadium before being stretchered off around half an hour before the scheduled 7.45pm kick-off, which was delayed by 10 minutes.
Chesterfield’s John Fleck has been taken to hospital after falling ill on the pitch. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Chesterfield’s John Fleck has been taken to hospital after falling ill on the pitch. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A Chesterfield statement read: “We can confirm that John Fleck has been taken to hospital as a precautionary measure after being taken ill during the pre-match warm-up.”
Recommended Reads
Powered by
Mantis Logo
Find more about Marginalised Scotland star welcomes fresh start after teaming up with old boss
Marginalised Scotland star welcomes fresh start after teaming up with old boss
Marginalised Scotland star welcomes fresh start after teaming up with old boss
Find more about ‘Amazing feeling’ – Uncapped Scotland star becomes instant cult hero after impressive first EPL start
‘Amazing feeling’ – Uncapped Scotland star becomes instant cult hero after impressive first EPL start
‘Amazing feeling’ – Uncapped Scotland star becomes instant cult hero after impressive first EPL start
Find more about The Celtic star that should have danced in front of fans – they are lucky to have him after latest landmark
The Celtic star that should have danced in front of fans – they are lucky to have him after latest landmark
The Celtic star that should have danced in front of fans – they are lucky to have him after latest landmark
Find more about The unfortunate Lyall Cameron Rangers-Dundee situation
The unfortunate Lyall Cameron Rangers-Dundee situation
The unfortunate Lyall Cameron Rangers-Dundee situation
Find more about Hearts address Elton Kabangu permanent deal prospects as on-loan striker shines in 6-0 hammering
Hearts address Elton Kabangu permanent deal prospects as on-loan striker shines in 6-0 hammering
Hearts address Elton Kabangu permanent deal prospects as on-loan striker shines in 6-0 hammering
Find more about Hibs twins claim possible first as things get serious for abject Aberdeen amid fascinating full-time scenes
Hibs twins claim possible first as things get serious for abject Aberdeen amid fascinating full-time scenes
Hibs twins claim possible first as things get serious for abject Aberdeen amid fascinating full-time scenes
Find more about How Celtic plan to move on from striker-gate
How Celtic plan to move on from striker-gate
How Celtic plan to move on from striker-gate
Find more about David marks his 100th birthday with ‘extra whisky’ surrounded by family, friends and laughter
David marks his 100th birthday with ‘extra whisky’ surrounded by family, friends and laughter
David marks his 100th birthday with ‘extra whisky’ surrounded by family, friends and laughter
Find more about Celtic seal Jota return – fee, length of contract and how Brendan Rodgers was so important in deal
Celtic seal Jota return – fee, length of contract and how Brendan Rodgers was so important in deal
Celtic seal Jota return – fee, length of contract and how Brendan Rodgers was so important in deal
Find more about Celtic’s cotton wool order will be princely as Scottish football waves goodbye to characters
Celtic’s cotton wool order will be princely as Scottish football waves goodbye to characters
Celtic’s cotton wool order will be princely as Scottish football waves goodbye to characters
Find more about ‘Know my feelings’: Brendan Rodgers addresses Celtic striker hunt and lifts lid on Daniel Cummings situation
‘Know my feelings’: Brendan Rodgers addresses Celtic striker hunt and lifts lid on Daniel Cummings situation
‘Know my feelings’: Brendan Rodgers addresses Celtic striker hunt and lifts lid on Daniel Cummings situation
Find more about Scottish Serie A title hopes receive major boost as Napoli avoid being dethroned in 74-minute match
Scottish Serie A title hopes receive major boost as Napoli avoid being dethroned in 74-minute match
Scottish Serie A title hopes receive major boost as Napoli avoid being dethroned in 74-minute match
Find more about ‘Fly fishing in a sink’
‘Fly fishing in a sink’
‘Fly fishing in a sink’
Find more about Hearts saddened by death of legendary league title winner who also played for Hibs, Celtic and Newcastle
Hearts saddened by death of legendary league title winner who also played for Hibs, Celtic and Newcastle
Hearts saddened by death of legendary league title winner who also played for Hibs, Celtic and Newcastle
Find more about Celtic vs Raith Rovers injury news: 5 out as trio primed for Celtic Park debut in Scottish Cup
Celtic vs Raith Rovers injury news: 5 out as trio primed for Celtic Park debut in Scottish Cup
Celtic vs Raith Rovers injury news: 5 out as trio primed for Celtic Park debut in Scottish Cup
Find more about Rangers vs Queen’s Park injury news: 5 out as Philippe Clement waits on trio and mulls over Ibrox full debut
Rangers vs Queen’s Park injury news: 5 out as Philippe Clement waits on trio and mulls over Ibrox full debut
Rangers vs Queen’s Park injury news: 5 out as Philippe Clement waits on trio and mulls over Ibrox full debut
Find more about ‘It was clear’: 42-goal Celtic-linked striker reveals reasons behind deadline day transfer
‘It was clear’: 42-goal Celtic-linked striker reveals reasons behind deadline day transfer
‘It was clear’: 42-goal Celtic-linked striker reveals reasons behind deadline day transfer
Find more about Bayern Munich star wary of Celtic threat as he reveals what 97-cap teammate told him about Parkhead
Bayern Munich star wary of Celtic threat as he reveals what 97-cap teammate told him about Parkhead
Bayern Munich star wary of Celtic threat as he reveals what 97-cap teammate told him about Parkhead
Find more about The Celtic truth Brendan Rodgers won’t quite admit as Dundee rout not without moments of concern
The Celtic truth Brendan Rodgers won’t quite admit as Dundee rout not without moments of concern
The Celtic truth Brendan Rodgers won’t quite admit as Dundee rout not without moments of concern
Find more about Questions raised over key Celtic goals as Dundee claim ‘decisions went against us’
Questions raised over key Celtic goals as Dundee claim ‘decisions went against us’
Questions raised over key Celtic goals as Dundee claim ‘decisions went against us’
Find more about Marginalised Scotland star welcomes fresh start after teaming up with old boss
Marginalised Scotland star welcomes fresh start after teaming up with old boss
Marginalised Scotland star welcomes fresh start after teaming up with old boss
After the match, which Chesterfield went on to win 5-2, assistant manager Danny Webb provided a positive update on Fleck’s condition. “He had a fit of some sort,” Webb told the Derbyshire Times. “The last we saw of him he was on a stretcher leaving, conscious, speaking and with a smile on his face. We will know more tomorrow. He is in good hands. Fingers crossed he seems to be okay.
“There was a period with John on the floor in the warm-up and football goes out of your mind. Our dressing room was a very quiet place before kick-off. Us as staff tried to lift the boys and let them know that John seemed to be okay when he left. They were flat because he is a team-mate and they care about him. They went out there and got the three points for John.”
Advertisement
Hide Ad
Addressing the aftermath of the incident, Webb added: “It was difficult because you don’t want to sort of paper over it. We thought about getting the lads back to do another mini warm-up but we decided to talk to them and let them gather their thoughts. It was such a relief to see John conscious and talking when he left. His family went with him to the hospital.
Recommended Reads
Powered by
Mantis Logo
Find more about Purring Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers hails star’s arrogance, rates best goal in rout and assesses Rangers title race
Purring Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers hails star’s arrogance, rates best goal in rout and assesses Rangers title race
Purring Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers hails star’s arrogance, rates best goal in rout and assesses Rangers title race
Find more about Kyogo who? Hooped Celtic behemoth runs riot as fan chant reminds Rangers of who is boss
Kyogo who? Hooped Celtic behemoth runs riot as fan chant reminds Rangers of who is boss
Kyogo who? Hooped Celtic behemoth runs riot as fan chant reminds Rangers of who is boss
Find more about Scottish Premiership shock as club withdraws from key SFA panel amid major VAR concerns
Scottish Premiership shock as club withdraws from key SFA panel amid major VAR concerns
Scottish Premiership shock as club withdraws from key SFA panel amid major VAR concerns
Find more about 13 free agents Celtic, Rangers and rivals could target for transfer – from 4x Champions League winner to ‘next Grealish’
13 free agents Celtic, Rangers and rivals could target for transfer – from 4x Champions League winner to ‘next Grealish’
13 free agents Celtic, Rangers and rivals could target for transfer – from 4x Champions League winner to ‘next Grealish’
Find more about Rangers ‘received 10 offers’ for first-team star in January as reason for remaining at Ibrox revealed
Rangers ‘received 10 offers’ for first-team star in January as reason for remaining at Ibrox revealed
Rangers ‘received 10 offers’ for first-team star in January as reason for remaining at Ibrox revealed
Find more about Scotland stalwart ends 161 day wait as ex-Rangers trio help club edge towards dream domestic double
Scotland stalwart ends 161 day wait as ex-Rangers trio help club edge towards dream domestic double
Scotland stalwart ends 161 day wait as ex-Rangers trio help club edge towards dream domestic double
Find more about What channel is Celtic v Dundee on? TV, live stream and highlights details plus team news
What channel is Celtic v Dundee on? TV, live stream and highlights details plus team news
What channel is Celtic v Dundee on? TV, live stream and highlights details plus team news
Find more about Inside Celtic’s bid to land Kieran Tierney on early deal
Inside Celtic’s bid to land Kieran Tierney on early deal
Inside Celtic’s bid to land Kieran Tierney on early deal
Find more about What Celtic are getting in Jeffrey Schlupp and when fans may first see him
What Celtic are getting in Jeffrey Schlupp and when fans may first see him
What Celtic are getting in Jeffrey Schlupp and when fans may first see him
Find more about Brendan Rodgers breaks silence on Celtic transfer failure, gives cryptic Kyogo answer and addresses fan anger
Brendan Rodgers breaks silence on Celtic transfer failure, gives cryptic Kyogo answer and addresses fan anger
Brendan Rodgers breaks silence on Celtic transfer failure, gives cryptic Kyogo answer and addresses fan anger
Find more about 9 free agent strikers Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers could target for transfer
9 free agent strikers Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers could target for transfer
9 free agent strikers Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers could target for transfer
Find more about Celtic vs Dundee injury news: 6 out but two in line for Celtic Park debut as Brendan Rodgers mulls over XI
Celtic vs Dundee injury news: 6 out but two in line for Celtic Park debut as Brendan Rodgers mulls over XI
Celtic vs Dundee injury news: 6 out but two in line for Celtic Park debut as Brendan Rodgers mulls over XI
Find more about Scotland handed major injury scare after boss reveals Ben Doak blow
Scotland handed major injury scare after boss reveals Ben Doak blow
Scotland handed major injury scare after boss reveals Ben Doak blow
Find more about Ex-Rangers ace returns home, Celtic exit still possible, Aberdeen confirm £600k departure
Ex-Rangers ace returns home, Celtic exit still possible, Aberdeen confirm £600k departure
Ex-Rangers ace returns home, Celtic exit still possible, Aberdeen confirm £600k departure
Find more about Transfer Deadline Day RECAP: Celtic’s 11pm signing, Rangers land 22y/o as duo depart, Hibs and Hearts exits
Transfer Deadline Day RECAP: Celtic’s 11pm signing, Rangers land 22y/o as duo depart, Hibs and Hearts exits
Transfer Deadline Day RECAP: Celtic’s 11pm signing, Rangers land 22y/o as duo depart, Hibs and Hearts exits
Find more about Celtic fail to land striker after one deal, Rangers exit, Hearts six-figure sale, Hibs enigma stays – Scottish transfers
Celtic fail to land striker after one deal, Rangers exit, Hearts six-figure sale, Hibs enigma stays – Scottish transfers
Celtic fail to land striker after one deal, Rangers exit, Hearts six-figure sale, Hibs enigma stays – Scottish transfers
Find more about Celtic keen on 32y/o EPL man, Rangers land starlet, major Hibs developments – Scottish transfers
Celtic keen on 32y/o EPL man, Rangers land starlet, major Hibs developments – Scottish transfers
Celtic keen on 32y/o EPL man, Rangers land starlet, major Hibs developments – Scottish transfers
Find more about Rangers ‘want’ defender, Celtic-linked ace ‘completing’ deal, Aberdeen loan ‘unlikely’
Rangers ‘want’ defender, Celtic-linked ace ‘completing’ deal, Aberdeen loan ‘unlikely’
Rangers ‘want’ defender, Celtic-linked ace ‘completing’ deal, Aberdeen loan ‘unlikely’
Find more about Scott McTominay and Napoli spurn huge Serie A chance as late goal floors Scotland star after Milan derby drama
Scott McTominay and Napoli spurn huge Serie A chance as late goal floors Scotland star after Milan derby drama
Scott McTominay and Napoli spurn huge Serie A chance as late goal floors Scotland star after Milan derby drama
Find more about Hearts transfers: Lawrence Shankland, ‘I don’t want to lie’, good business – what to expect on deadline day
Hearts transfers: Lawrence Shankland, ‘I don’t want to lie’, good business – what to expect on deadline day
Hearts transfers: Lawrence Shankland, ‘I don’t want to lie’, good business – what to expect on deadline day
Find more about Purring Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers hails star’s arrogance, rates best goal in rout and assesses Rangers title race
Purring Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers hails star’s arrogance, rates best goal in rout and assesses Rangers title race
Purring Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers hails star’s arrogance, rates best goal in rout and assesses Rangers title race
“It was hard but the lads didn’t start the game like it so fair play to the players for getting over that distressing period. It was not a nice thing to go through.”
John Fleck made his breakthrough as a youngster at Rangers before moving to England.
John Fleck made his breakthrough as a youngster at Rangers before moving to England. | SNS Group 0141 221 3602
Fleck previously collapsed on the pitch in November 2021 while playing for Sheffield United in the Championship away at Reading. He was stretchered off after receiving lengthy treatment, including an oxygen mask, after going down unchallenged. He spent the night in hospital but was discharged the next day. After the game, United confirmed Fleck had received “urgent medical care” on the pitch before he was taken to a waiting ambulance.
Fleck started his career with Rangers and made his debut at the age of 15. He made 59 appearances for the Ibrox club, scoring three goals, before moving to Coventry City in 2012, then Sheffield United four years later, where he made 65 appearances in the English Premier League.
Advertisement
Hide Ad
Fleck spent eight years at Brammall Lane, racking up 278 appearances and winning two promotions and two player of the year awards before departing in January 2024. After brief stint at Blackburn, he joined Chesterfield last summer but his campaign has been plagued by injury with only one start and three substitute appearances this season to date. He was last capped by Scotland in 2021.
Related topics:RangersJohn Fleck
0
Comments
0
comments
Want to join the conversation? Please register or log in to comment on this article.
This website and its associated newspaper are members of Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO)
Follow us on
Explore
News
Sport
Business
Arts and Culture
Lifestyle
Food and Drink
Heritage and Retro
Future Scotland
More from The Scotsman
Scotsman merch
Announcements
Celebrations
Jobs
Public Notices
Must Read
Photo Sales
Conferences
The Scotsman Archive
Useful Links
Contact Us
Advertise My Business
Place your Ad
Advertise a Job
Subscribe
Events
Newsletters
Website Archive
Publisher Guidelines
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.
Cookie Settings
Terms and Conditions
Privacy notice
AI Policy
Modern Slavery Statement
Dare to be Honest
Sign In
Subscribe
Watch Shots! TV
News
Business
Opinion
Sport
Arts and Culture
Lifestyle
Food & Drink
Travel
Heritage and Retro
Scotsman Money
Hay’s Way
Future Scotland
Regions
Recommended
Must Read
Advertise
Announcements
Celebrations
Public Notices
More from us
Newsletters
Puzzles
e-Paper
Jobs
Announcements
Public Notices
About Us
Advertise
Contact Us
Sc
otsman store
Follow us
Sign up to our Football newsletter
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Notice and Terms of Service apply.
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.
Cookie Settings
Terms and Conditions
Privacy notice
Be the first to comment