McArdle OK after ‘seriously nasty gash’

RORY McArdle was released from hospital and spent the night with the rest of his Exeter City teammates after suffering a nasty injury in the closing stages of the Grecians’ 1-0 win at Stevenage.

McArdle, who notched the only goal of the game with a deft header from a Jack Sparkes free kick, was forced off late in the game after blocking a shot and clashing with a Stevenage player, who then caught the 33-year-old in the private parts with his studs.

That led to the Exeter defender suffering a ‘really serious gash’ according to manager Matt Taylor with McArdle immediately being taken to hospital. However, he was released and able to link up with his team-mates later in the night, prior to them returning to Devon on Wednesday morning.

“We can confirm Rory McArdle was discharged from hospital last night and stayed with the team overnight in their hotel,” the club said in a brief statement put out on their social media channels.

Speaking after the game, Taylor said: “He has gone to hospital straight away with what looks like a serious injury, which is a real shame for Rory.

“It is a gash on his private parts, which is a really serious gash and he has gone straight to hospital. Hopefully they will help him out the best they can. It’s a nasty injury. I’ve not seen it myself but the reports are it is scary.

“I think it came when he blocked a shot and the lad’s studs caught him in a really nasty place. Hopefully he’s OK, but he was us tonight.

“He led that backline, scored the header and defended the box with his life.”

McArdle has struggled since joining the Grecians on a free transfer in the summer following his release by League Two rivals Scunthorpe United. His goal on Tuesday will be a huge boost to his confidence, as was his stout defending, but it is likely he will now be sidelined as he recovers from that nasty wound.