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Prem ace in hospital as manager blasts 'almost life-endangering' challenge

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The striker was rushed to hospital after a doctor ignored the referee
The striker was rushed to hospital after a doctor ignored the referee's decision

PREMIER LEAGUE ace Michael Mellon is in hospital after an horrific clash of heads at the weekend.

The on-loan Dundee striker’s boss Tony Docherty has slammed St Johnstone’s Liam Gordon for causing the “almost life-endangering” injuries.

Michael Mellon suffered an horrific head injury in Dundee's win over St Johnstone qhiqqhiqdiqzdprw
Michael Mellon suffered an horrific head injury in Dundee's win over St JohnstoneCredit: Willie Vass
The on-loan Burnley striker was rushed to hospital after the collision with Liam Gordon
The on-loan Burnley striker was rushed to hospital after the collision with Liam GordonCredit: Willie Vass

And he also raged at referee David Munro for waving play on after the horror incident in injury-time of the Dark Blues’ 2-1 Scottish Premiership victory on Sunday.

The 20-year-old Scottish U21 striker Mellon left Burnley to join Dundee last month after previously impressing in Leagues One and Two with Morecambe.

He is already off the mark north of the border after scoring on his debut and grabbing two assists against Livingston.

Watch ex-Liverpool star rush to protect referee from his OWN Antalyaspor playersWatch ex-Liverpool star rush to protect referee from his OWN Antalyaspor players

However, he suffered a horrible blow yesterday and was rushed to hospital from Dens Park in an ambulance after the sickening collision with St Johnstone captain Gordon.

Ref Munro was just yards away but signalled for the game to continue - although Dundee’s medic Dr McCormack ignored that and sprinted onto the pitch to administer treatment.

After the game the clearly emotionally-charged Docherty didn’t hold back on his view of what had gone on.

He said: “He’s not great. I’d like the referee to comment on that.

“For me, that was almost life-endangering. And to not even get a booking for it . . . 

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“Michael is a top boy in our team and I’m concerned for him because he took a really bad blow to the back of the head.

“Luckily we have a brilliant doctor here, Dr McCormack, who didn’t pay any attention to the referee and ran on the pitch. He recognised what happened.

“It was a sour note at the end of the game and the player’s welfare is the most important thing. But I’d like you to ask the referee about it.”

Now Dundee have confirmed that they are putting in an official complaint as they provided concerned supporters with an update on the star’s condition.

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A statement read: “Michael sustained a significant head injury in yesterday’s match against St Johnstone, but thanks to the swift intervention by Dr McCormack and the medical team, his condition was stabilised and he was transferred to Ninewells Hospital Accident and Emergency Department.

“Following specialist investigations he was discharged with appropriate head injury advice.

“He will continue his recovery under the supervision of the club’s medical team in accordance with concussion protocols.”

It then added: “The club is today writing to the Scottish FA in the strongest terms to express its serious concerns that play was not stopped to allow immediate attention to Michael after what was clearly a dreadful head clash.”

Dundee's doctor was praised for racing straight on to give treatment
Dundee's doctor was praised for racing straight on to give treatmentCredit: Willie Vass
Dundee boss Tony Docherty slammed the challenge on Mellon (left)
Dundee boss Tony Docherty slammed the challenge on Mellon (left)Credit: Rex

Gary Stonehouse

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