Father of Irish League goalkeeper who suffered 'serious injury' provides update and expresses appreciation for support
The father of young Newington goalkeeper Rian Brown who suffered a “serious injury” which forced Saturday’s Championship clash against Ards to be abandoned in the second half has provided an update – and expressed his appreciation for messages of support.
With the scores tied at 3-3, referee Niall Devlin made the call to abandon the second-tier fixture after 78 minutes following an injury suffered by 20-year-old Brown.
The incident caused concern both at Clandeboye Park and across the Irish League when fans were alerted to the situation through an update by the clubs involved and the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL).
Under Newington FC’s Facebook post from the match, Rian’s father Eddie provided an update late on Saturday evening which read: “Thank you so much for the staff and players at Newington especially Doc Conor and Mal who hasn’t left him in the hospital.
"We’re just waiting on scans to let us know the damage to his neck and spine but he can move his fingers and toes so hopefully it comes back good news.
"Thank you so much to everyone texting and messaging on here about him.
"And I’ll keep Conor updated on the scan results. Thanks again everyone.”
Newington have also since confirmed that Brown remains in hospital as he awaits further scans.
“Newington FC would like to place on record our sincere thanks in regard to the injury to our goalkeeper Rian Brown,” they said in a statement. “The care and attention shown by Ards FC from not only Chairman Warren and his committee, the Ards manager John and his coaching staff and players.
"Special mention to physio Sam Lewis whose professionalism and knowledge alongside our own doctor Daire Rooney and physio John Boyle and our goalkeeping coach Mal Thompson who attended hospital with Rian.
"This ensured Rian was both cared for and kept comfortable to help him make a speedy recovery.
"Rian is currently still in hospital awaiting more tests and scans and we wish him a speedy recovery
“We would also like to place on record our thanks to the Ambulance Service who attended the scene and looked after Rian.
"Also our staff and players who also stayed on to offer help during the incident
“Many thanks to all who provided help in a troubling time for Rian.”
Brown originally joined Newington from Larne in 2024 before earning a move to Premiership outfit Crusaders – he returned to the Inver Park-based club on loan ahead of the current campaign.
An update from NIFL on Saturday afternoon read: “Today’s #PlayrFitChamp fixture between @ArdsFC1900 and @NewingtonFC has been abandoned following a serious injury to a Newington player.
"Further updates regarding the fixture will be communicated in due course.”
Home club Ards sent their best wishes to Brown, posting on social media: “Everybody at Ards FC would like to wish a speedy recovery to @NewingtonFC player Rian Brown.”