Former Premier League midfielder John Fleck was rushed to hospital after collapsing during pre-match warm-ups ahead of Chesterfield's League Two clash with Doncaster. The concerning incident led to immediate medical intervention and a brief delay in the match schedule.
The 33-year-old midfielder's sudden collapse prompted quick action from medical staff on the pitch, resulting in the game's kickoff being pushed back by ten minutes to 7:55 PM. The club swiftly responded by bringing Michael Jacobs into the starting lineup to replace Fleck.
Chesterfield later released an official statement on their social media platforms, stating, "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."
Following the match, Chesterfield manager Danny Webb provided reassuring news about Fleck's condition. "It didn't look very nice," Webb said, but added optimistically, "As he was being stretchered off, he was smiling. He's in good hands."
The evening proved particularly challenging as two additional medical emergencies occurred in the stands. Just six minutes into the match, play was temporarily halted to attend to a spectator requiring medical assistance. Another brief stoppage followed twelve minutes later as the individual was helped away from the stands.
Fleck, who joined Chesterfield as a free agent in September 2023, has had limited playing time this season due to a shin injury, making only four appearances for the club. The five-time Scotland international previously enjoyed a successful eight-year stint at Sheffield United from 2016 to 2024, where he made 278 appearances. His Premier League career was particularly noteworthy, featuring 65 matches and five goals in his debut top-flight season, including memorable strikes against Manchester United and Arsenal, as well as a double in a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.
Despite the unsettling start to the evening, Chesterfield showed remarkable resilience, securing an impressive 5-2 victory over Doncaster. The win elevated them to ninth place in the League Two standings, while Doncaster, positioned second, fell seven points behind league leaders Walsall.
