Jan Paul van Hecke was taken to the hospital on Saturday evening for examination after his nasty collision with Yunus Konak. He was discharged later that night. According to his teammates, the Dutch international was conscious but quite groggy.
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Jan Paul van Hecke collided hard with Yunus Konak during stoppage time of the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, which ended in a 4-2 defeat for Brighton.
The incident occurred in the final moments of an already intense and physical match, adding a worrying note to an otherwise high-scoring fixture. As both players challenged for a loose ball in midfield, Van Hecke appeared to take the worst of the impact, falling to the ground immediately and remaining motionless for a few seconds, which triggered immediate concern among teammates, opponents, and medical staff alike.
The 24-year-old defender received urgent medical treatment on the pitch for several minutes. Brighton’s medical team, followed by paramedics, rushed onto the field and assessed the situation with caution. He was administered oxygen, a standard precaution in such head injuries, and a neck brace was applied to stabilize his cervical spine. The scene was tense, with both sets of players surrounding the injured defender in silence, many visibly distressed. The match paused for a prolonged period as Van Hecke was carefully placed onto a stretcher.
He eventually left the field to loud applause from both home and away fans, a touching moment that showed the football community’s solidarity in moments of adversity. He was immediately taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital for further tests and observation.
Later that evening, Brighton & Hove Albion confirmed that Van Hecke had been discharged from hospital and was already on his way back to Brighton. The club emphasized that all necessary scans and checks had been conducted, and although he was groggy, he was conscious and in a stable condition.
According to his teammates, the Dutch international was aware of his surroundings shortly after the collision, though still dazed and showing symptoms consistent with a concussion. "He was a bit groggy, but he’s a warrior. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious and he’ll be back soon," said veteran striker Danny Welbeck after the match. His words were echoed by others in the squad, reflecting not only concern for their teammate’s health but also admiration for his resilience.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler addressed the situation in his post-match interview with the BBC but admitted he had little concrete information to share at the time. "At this moment, I can’t say anything yet. I can only hope that he’ll be back on the pitch as soon as possible, and hopefully he recovers well," said the German coach. He added that the club’s medical team would continue to monitor Van Hecke closely over the coming days and that all necessary protocols would be followed regarding head injuries.
Substitute Solly March also spoke to Sky Sports about the incident. "He took a big hit to the head. It was an unfortunate collision part of the game. I think he was already talking again, but he seemed a bit dazed. Hopefully he’s okay, that’s the most important thing," said March, who himself has had his share of injury struggles and understands the physical toll the game can take. He added that it was reassuring to see Van Hecke responding before being stretchered off.
The incident overshadowed what was otherwise a tough night for Brighton, who conceded four goals against a sharp and clinical Brentford side. Despite scoring twice, Brighton struggled defensively throughout the match and were ultimately outplayed, leaving them in 10th place in the Premier League table. The Seagulls, who are still fighting for a potential spot in European competitions, now face a difficult run of games and the potential absence of a key defender.
Van Hecke, who has become an increasingly important figure in Brighton’s backline this season, has impressed with his strength, composure, and leadership. His absence, depending on the results of follow-up assessments, could be a significant blow to the team. With fellow defenders like Joël Veltman and Lewis Dunk already managing injuries this season, the squad's depth will be tested in the coming weeks.
Brighton’s squad, which also includes Dutch internationals Bart Verbruggen, Joël Veltman, and Mats Wieffer, will now regroup ahead of their next fixture. The team and fans alike will be hoping for positive news on Van Hecke’s recovery and a swift return to action but above all, that his long-term health is prioritized.
