‘This one is for Jordan’ – Bashley FC players honour seriously injured team-mate Chiedozie in win against Willand Rovers

An emotional crowd at Bashley FC clapped and cheered as teammates ran around the pitch holding aloft the football shirt of Jordan Chiedozie as his family watched.

The 30-year-old is still in a coma after suffering life-threatening and life-changing injuries from an accident on the M27 on 1st February.

He had been returning from a match against Tavistock AFC with physiotherapist Reighan Taylor. They had pulled over onto the hard shoulder after suffering a flat tyre and were standing outside the vehicle when another car hit Jordan.

Teammates had voted to still play their fixture against Willand Rovers on Saturday at the Veho stadium after last Tuesday’s match was cancelled out of respect for Jordan.

They dedicated the match to Jordan and at the start of the game hung his number 11 shirt on a pillar behind the home team dugout.

When a third goal was scored by Dan Walster, he grabbed it and waved it at the crowd.

At the end of the match Bashley FC skipper Steve Walker proudly held aloft Jordan’s shirt as the Bashley players took a lap of honour.

As they paraded it around the stadium the Willand Rovers players stood in the centre circle applauding.

A Bashley FC spokesperson said: “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. It was very, very emotional. Everyone’s thoughts and prayers are with Jordan.”

Among those looking on was Jordan’s father John who played for Tottenham Hotspur. Also present was the mother of Reighan Taylor who gave Jordan first aid after he was struck by the car.

Before and after the match John spent time speaking to fans and staff at the stadium thanking them for their support for Jordan and his family.

Bashley won the match 3-2. Despite being “absolutely devastated” by Jordan’s plight nearly all of his teammates said they wanted to continue playing. They are also due to play a game on Tuesday.

Mitch Speechley-Price, Brett Williams and Dan Walster all scored. Before the match, Mitch had stated “this one is for Jordan”.

A Bashley FC spokesperson said: “The team gave a performance to be proud of.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Jordan, who also had a stint at AFC Totton, which has already raised over £24,000. To donate visit www.gofundme.com/f/jordan-chiedozie-fundraiser

A 44-year-old woman from Wraysbury, Berkshire, has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. She was later bailed until 1st May.

Witnesses are being urged to come forward as investigations into the collision continue.

Those with information should contact officers online via hampshire.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference 44250048653.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously via crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.