USMNT star Tim Ream earns plaudits on social media for his classy reaction to Chris Basham's horror injury during Fulham vs Sheffield United clash

The Blades defender is facing up to a lengthy spell on the sidelines after seriously damaging his ankle during a Premier League fixture at Craven Cottage. Basham went over under no pressure, as he sought to play the ball back to his goalkeeper, and it was immediately clear that he had picked up a sickening injury.

Ream was among the first to tend to Basham as he lay stricken on the west London turf, with the United States international doing his best to calm his domestic rival before medical staff arrived. The Fulham skipper has been hailed for his actions, with one Blades fan posting on social media: “A touch of class from Tim Ream, the closest to Bash when he went down and stayed with him until, and after, medical attention arrived. Hope he gets some recognition from the fans when #ffc come to Bramall Lane.” Another added: “Tim Ream going above & beyond in this moment. Whilst others looked away (understandably), he stayed with Bash for what must’ve seemed like a lifetime.”

Further praise for Ream read: “Absolute quality and just goes to show you what type of person Tim Ream is.. RESPECT.” Another said: “Tim Ream, what a man. While everyone walks off after seeing Basham’s horrible injury, Ream was there with him until the doctors and physios came over.” There were also lots of “Tim Ream appreciation post” entries across social media.

Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom told BBC Sport when delivering an immediate update on Basham after the game in question came to a close: "He was not in a state to speak. He was on gas and air when he left and he is in hospital now. Everyone could see it was a horrendous injury. He is with the right people now he is in hospital. We will touch base and see how he is. Our thoughts are with him. Injuries like that we never want to see, and it does affect the feeling in the football stadium when something like that happens, without a doubt."