Man in critical condition after serious head injury during suburban football game

A young footballer is fighting for his life after an incident during a suburban match in Melbourne’s north.

Advanced life support paramedics and a mobile intensive care ambulance were called to the Lalor Football Club on Sydney Court after midday on Saturday following reports of a football injury.

Police confirmed a 27-year-old man had sustained a serious head injury during the game, but that there was “no evidence of criminality during the incident”.

An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said emergency services responded to the call at 12.55pm and transported one patient in a critical condition to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

The match between the Lalor and Epping reserves teams was abandoned after the third-quarter incident, according to the match report.

In a statement later on Saturday, Epping Football Club said both the reserves and senior games had been cancelled.

“We will provide updates on the situation when and where appropriate,” the statement said.

“For now, we keep everyone involved in our sincerest thoughts and sincerely thank everyone who assisted during and after the incident.

“A very big thank you to Lalor for all of your support.”

The Lalor Football Club has also been contacted for comment.

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