West Ham star George Earthy given oxygen and taken off on stretcher after sickening head injury

West Ham academy star George Earthy was stretchered off after appearing to be knocked unconscious just three minutes into his Premier League debut.

The 19-year-old midfielder came off the bench in the Hammers’ defeat to Fulham at London Stadium but he accidentally collided with team-mate Edson Alvarez before going down.

Medical staff rushed onto the pitch to treat the teenager. He was then stretchered off after six minutes of treatment on the pitch, during which time he required oxygen. The youngster was conscious after being taken off but is likely to be taken to hospital for further examinations.

In a statement, the east London club said: “West Ham United can confirm George Earthy will undergo an assessment in a London hospital this evening following the incident which saw him stretchered off during today’s Premier League fixture against Fulham.

“The midfielder – who entered the field as a second half substitute to make his Premier League debut against the Cottagers – was taken off in stoppage time. “

Manager David Moyes said: “It’s been a head injury, he is awake and on his way to hospital. His first three or four touches were terrific, really disappointed for the boy. He has been doing ever so well in training. We will all look after him.”

Fulham won the game at London Stadium 2-0 thanks to a goal in either half from Brazilian star Andreas Pereira but it was overshadowed by the horror injury sustained by one of the Hammers’ brightest prospects.

On his side’s performance, Fulham match-winner Pereira said: “It was one of the best performances from me and from the team as well – we took advantage of West Ham being tired in midweek.