Former Arsenal star Francis Coquelin, 35, rushed to hospital after sickening head clash as ‘Red Cross intervene’

FORMER Arsenal star Francis Coquelin has been rushed to hospital after a horrific head clash while playing for French Ligue 2 side, Laval. The brutal scene even saw the French Red Cross get involved, according to reports. Ex-Arsenal man Francis Coquelin has been rushed to hospital after a brutal head clash Credit: X He was playing his first home game for boyhood French club Laval Credit: Alamy Laval midfielder Coquelin and Nantes man Wilitty Younoussa violently collided heads early on in the second game of the league campaign. It was a heartbreaking moment for the ex-Arsenal man, as his first start since rejoining his boyhood club was cut very short. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! Volunteer medics from the French Red Cross were called onto the field of play before the Frenchman was rushed off to hospital. Following the incident, French reporter Cyprien Legeay wrote: “Major concern in Laval after Francis Coquelin and Wilitty Younoussa violently collided with their heads. “The players quickly made big gestures to get the Red Cross to intervene quickly.” Later reports suggest he’s getting a scan, with bleeding and a fracture suspected. The 35-year-old’s Laval career has been brought to a gutting halt if reports turn out to be true. He played for the Northern French team between 2005-2008 as a youngster before earning a move to Premier League giants Arsenal. Most read in Sport While he never made a senior appearance for the club, they played a huge part in his development. And today’s injury won’t have done him any favours in attempting to repay them. The clash with Nantes ended in a 2-1 win for Laval after a 95th minute winner. However, according to reports coming out of France, a storm knocked out the broadcast towards the end of the clash. This reportedly forced broadcasters to film with phones at the end of a dramatic night in the North West. The victory takes them up to tenth in Ligue 2 after losing their season opener to Rodez. Comment now