Wife of Clarke Carlisle ‘overwhelmed’ by support

Clarke Carlisle played over 500 games over a 12 year career. Picture: Cate Gillon

THE WIFE of former Premier League footballer Clarke Carlisle has said she has been “overwhelmed” by messages of support since her husband was seriously injured in a collision with a lorry.

Gemma Carlisle tweeted her thanks to supporters after Carlisle, 35, was taken to hospital following the collision on the A64, near York, yesterday morning.

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Footballers, former clubs, organisations and charities were among well-wishers who have used social media to send messages hoping former Professional Footballers’ Association chairman Carlisle makes a quick recovery.

Mrs Carlisle said in her tweet: “Don’t normally use this account anymore. But have been overwhelmed with your thoughts and prayers. Thank you”

She also thanked Burnley fan and former Downing Street communications chief Alastair Campbell, who sent her a message offering his help.

The PFA said it had visited Carlisle in hospital and pledged its help and support to him and his family.

In a short statement, the organisation said: “Former Professional Footballers’ Association chairman Clarke Carlisle is in hospital after being involved in a collision with a lorry.

“Everyone at the PFA is keeping Clarke Carlisle in their prayers and thoughts.

“We visited Clarke at the hospital yesterday and we are offering our full help and support to him and his family at this difficult time.”

North Yorkshire Police would not confirm the injured man’s identity but have appealed for witnesses to the collision on the A64 near the village of Bishopthorpe, at 7.30am yesterday.

A force spokeswoman said: “The collision involved a male pedestrian and a lorry.

“The injured man has been airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary with serious injuries.

“The road was closed to allow the air ambulance to land and to allow collision investigators to examine the scene.”

Part of the road was closed for a number of hours while investigations took place.

Carlisle played in defence for a number of clubs including Blackpool, QPR, Leeds United and Burnley.

His former clubs were among many organisations to send messages of support to Carlisle and his family.

The Football Association tweeted: “The thoughts & prayers of all at The FA are with Clarke Carlisle & his family at this sad time.”

After Carlisle stopped playing, he worked for the PFA and was also a regular on TV - both as a pundit but also as a contestant on the long-running Channel 4 quiz show Countdown and a guest on BBC’s Question Time.

He has also presented a TV documentary about racism in the game and another - Football’s Suicide Secret - about mental health issues among his fellow professionals.

The Kick It Out anti-racism campaign posted: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Kick It Out are with Clarke Carlisle and his family. Stay strong our dear friend - keep on fighting.”

Mind, a mental health charity of which Carlisle is an ambassador, tweeted: “We’ve just heard the terrible news about our ambassador Clarke Carlisle being in a road accident. Our thoughts are with him & his family.”

Former player and media pundit Kevin Kilbane posted: “Shocked to hear the news on Clarke Carlisle. I pray for him and his family. Hope he pulls through.”

Campbell tweeted: “Really hoping @clarkecarlisle going be ok. Thoughts with Gemma/two lovely kids. A great @BurnleyOfficial man and mental health campaigner.”

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