Brighton star Jan Paul van Hecke rushed to hospital in neck brace following sickening clash of heads during Premier League match with Brentford

The Dutch defender had to be stretchered off the pitch in a neck brace and was then rushed to the hospital following a freak clash of heads with Brentford's Yunus Konak. Van Hecke received a lengthy treatment on the pitch as he required oxygen before being carried off on a stretcher.

Konak, too, was subbed off after the incident, however, the Bees player was able to walk off the pitch. Both teams had already made five changes, but they were allowed to replace their injured stars using concussion subs. Eiran Cashin replaced Van Hecke, while Gustanvo Nunes came in for Konak.

Brentford rode on Bryan Mbuemo's brace and goals from Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard to clinch crucial three points on Saturday evening. Danny Welbeck and Kaoru Mitoma were on target for the visitors.

The Sun reports that the player's family had visited him in the dressing room, but they did not accompany him in the ambulance to the hospital. The Seagulls will be next seen in action on April 26 as they host West Ham in the Premier League.