Wycombe vs Wrexham was stopped by the referee. (Image: Getty)
high-stakes clash against promotion rivals Wycombe Wanderers was stopped by the referee on Saturday afternoon due to a medical emergency in the crowd. The nail-biting action came to a sudden halt with the score at 0-0 after supporters around the travelling Wrexham follower affected alerted the officials’ attention.
Medics hurried to the away end to respond to the health scare, and during the treatment, referee Benjamin Speedie directed both sets of players back into the dressing rooms. Before kick-off, Wycombe and Wrexham were locked on 68 points in second and third, respectively, behind runaway leaders Birmingham City. With only two teams automatically promoted to the Championship, it’s no understatement to describe the clash as an ultimate six-pointer.
At 4.36pm, Wrexham confirmed the stoppage on X, writing: “The game has been temporarily halted due to an ongoing medical incident in the crowd.”
Half an hour later, the Welsh club confirmed that the supporter in question was on the mend and heading to hospital.
A post read: “The patient has left the stadium in a stable condition and is on the way to hospital. We’d like to thank the emergency services and staff for their efforts.”
Wycombe also provided clarification, wishing the away fan well, sharing: “The medical incident has been resolved, and the supporter is on the way to hospital with our very best wishes.”
Play resumed just under an hour after the stoppage. (Image: Getty)
The match restarted with the clock at 76:25, just under an hour after the initial stoppage, with players applauded as they returned to the pitch and afforded 10 minutes to warm up.
The concern that turned into applause soon turned into cheers among the Wrexham supporters minutes after the restart.
In a period of madness, Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo denied Caleb Taylor’s downward header on the line before Joe Low headed a rebound over the bar.
Phil Parkinson’s visitors then dashed to the other end and broke the deadlock to silence the home faithful and send the away end into raptures.
Former Premier League striker Steven Fletcher headed a deflected Matty James strike into the path of Sam Smith.
And the 27-year-old frontman lashed a ruthless volley into the top corner, leaving Wycombe goalkeeper Will Norris with little hope.
Smith’s go-ahead goal sent the visitors on the way to a pivotal response after falling to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against 10-man Reading last time out.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s club will celebrate the victory heading into the March international break before hosting another promotion hopeful in Stockport later in the month.