Partick Thistle manager Brian Graham expressed his concern over the treatment of midfielder Courtney Stewart, who experienced a seizure following a head injury during Sunday’s Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) match against Rangers.
Graham revealed that, despite the serious incident occurring in the 10th minute of their 4-0 defeat at Broadwood Stadium, Stewart had to wait for hours for an ambulance, highlighting a stark contrast in the level of medical attention provided compared to what is typically afforded in men's top-flight football.
"In the 10th minute, we've had a really serious head injury in the middle of the park - and she's still lying in the medical room there," Graham revealed.
"We're still waiting on an ambulance which I don't really think is acceptable, but I can't thank Rangers' medical staff and the first aiders here. They've been brilliant with her but I just think we would get this in the men's game. A real serious head injury and my player's in there still waiting for an ambulance. I just don't think it's acceptable."
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Graham was understandably visibly upset and concerned about Stewart's welfare and went on to say: "I don't know what we can change because it obviously comes down to finance. But at the same time we're in there and she just wants to go to sleep, and we are trying to keep her awake.
"As I said, it was in the 10th minute of the game, the game's finished a long time ago and she's still waiting on an ambulance.
"We're obviously first and foremost thinking about her and her own safety, and we're trying to keep her awake, but I think the ambulance should be here a long time ago."
Many worried observers took to social media to highlight the horrifying situation, with Scotland star Erin Cuthbert stating: "Really hope Courtney is okay and makes a full recovery but this is unacceptable and the game deserves better."
While another fan wrote: "More action is required for the women's game, this is the second time a SWPL club has had to wait a long time for an ambulance."
And a third simply commented: "That's shocking!"
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Providing clarity on how Stewart’s health was progressing, Partick Thistle posted an update on social media at around 10pm.
It read: “An update on Courtney Stewart. After suffering a head injury 10 minutes into the game against Rangers today, Courtney was taken by ambulance at just after 5pm to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
“Courtney is still in hospital but is awake, alert and talking and CT scans and X-rays have been clear.
“We’d like to thank physio Alannah MacPherson, the @RangersWFC medical team and the St John’s first aiders for their excellent response. We’d also like to wish a speedy recovery to Rangers player Laura Rafferty. ❤️💛”
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