Mason’s family grateful

RYAN Mason’s family has thanked well-wishers for their support following a “traumatic 24 hours” after the Hull midfielder underwent surgery on a fractured skull on Sunday.

The 25-year-old was carried off and received oxygen after a clash of heads with Chelsea’s Gary Cahill in the first half of Hull’s 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

He had an operation at St Mary’s Hospital in London later in the evening and Hull confirmed on Monday that Mason was conscious and communicating having been visited by captain Michael Dawson and club officials.

The England international will remain in hospital “over the coming days” and his family praised the help given, with brain injury charity Headway also saying the on-field treatment was “exemplary”.

“We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks and gratitude for the overwhelming support shown to Ryan during what has been an extremely traumatic 24 hours,” the family statement read.

“The well wishes and support that we’ve received as a family from such a large number of players, managers, clubs, fans and everyone involved in football — as well as even from people outside of the sport — has helped to give Ryan and all of the family great strength during this incredibly difficult time.

“We would also like to send a special thank you to the superb medical teams at Hull City, Chelsea and St Mary’s Hospital.

“The manner in which the situation was handled and dealt with was impeccable and we are incredibly grateful for everything that they have done and continue to do.

“As has been confirmed in the statement released by Hull City, Ryan is in a stable condition.”

Mason Robertson