Footballers were too upset to carry on a match after a tackle left a player with a “horrific” leg injury.

Chatham Town star player Matt Solly faces a long road to recovery after sustaining the injury in an away match against Thurrock on New Year’s Day.

Just over half an hour of the Ryman League Division 1 North clash had been played when a heavy challenge dislocated and broke Solly’s ankle in several places.

“It was horrific to be honest with you,” said Chatham Town manager Kevin Watson.

“I’ve seen a few bad ones and that was the worst I’ve seen.”

With 26-year-old Solly in agony and players left waiting at the pitch-side for an ambulance, the teams decided to abandon the game.

“Their player was sent off, and at nil-nil it would have been in our benefit to carry on,” added Mr Watson. “Personally I wasn’t in the right mentality. It’s not just about me but my players have all seen it.

“The game could have been played with the wrong temperament.”

He said he did not believe the opposing player had intended to cause the injury. “The tackle was bad a tackle – to cause an injury like that it’s got to be a bad tackle.

"But was it malicious? I honestly, hand on heart can’t say a player would go to break another’s leg. It wasn’t a nasty game. It’s a physical game and players try to be strong in the challenge.”

He added: “A couple of people said that ground is cursed for us. It was where Corey Holder got injured and ended up losing his spleen.”

Although it was feared Solly would need an operation to put pins in his ankle, it is now hoped the breaks will heal naturally.

Solly is said to have been overwhelmed with messages of support from other non-league clubs, and the Thurrock players have been to visit him in hospital.

And Mr Watson said Solly, a self-employed kitchen fitter, would get support.

A long-standing and devoted Chatham Town favourite, Solly is widely regarded as having the potential to play at a higher level.

An account has been set up to donate funds to support the player. For details call manager Kevin Watson on 07903 472033 or visit Chatham Town’s website.