Aussie Boyle hurt in Cup loss
Socceroos star Martin Boyle is in a “stable condition” in hospital after falling on his head in Hibernian’s Scottish Cup quarter-final defeat by Rangers just 10 days out from a World Cup qualifier against Lebanon.
Boyle was taken off on a stretcher in Sunday’s match at Easter Road home falling awkwardly after an aerial battle for the ball with John Souttar, brother of fellow Socceroo Harry Souttar. The match was held up for 10 minutes as medics attended to the 30-year-old winger who was given a standing ovation and applauded by both sets of players as he was carried off the pitch and taken straight to hospital.
The team’s manager, former Central Coast Mariners boss Nick Montgomery, told BBC Scotland he would reach out to Boyle in the wake of his club’s 2-0 loss.
“He’s landed on his head, probably a bit of concussion, a bit of a sore neck and that’s something you have to worry about,” Montgomery said.
A statement from the club later confirmed Boyle was in a stable condition.
“Hibernian FC can confirm that Martin Boyle is now in a stable condition in hospital,” the club said in a statement
“The winger went straight to hospital after the first half collision against Rangers and is receiving the best possible care.
“The club would like to thank the speed of both clubs’ medical departments in attending to Martin on the pitch.
“Everyone at Hibernian FC wishes Martin a speedy recovery.”
The Socceroos will take on Lebanon in matches in Sydney on March 21 and Canberra on March 26 on their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Defending champion Pecco Bagnaia delivered an opening-round masterclass in the Qatar MotoGP, where a new rising star also shone brightly under the Lusail lights.
Bagnaia slipped his factory Ducati past his main rival last year, Jorge Martin, on the first lap and was always in command at the front of the field.
Aussie Jack Miller, slid out on the second lap but got his bike upright and completed the 21-lap race in 21st and last place.
Miller also finished out of the points in the Saturday sprint.