FORMER DULWICH HAMLET PLAYER HOSPITALISED AFTER ON-PITCH ATTACK

Alli Abdullahi, who represented the Hamlet in Gavin Rose’s first season as manager, suffered horrendous injuries including a broken jaw & eye socket.

The incident occurred in the 27th minute of Peckham Town’s Kent County League game at home to Stanfeld on Saturday. Abdullahi was attacked by an opposition player and sustained a broken jaw and a broken eye socket, as well as neck damage. Initial fears that he had broken his neck have since been calmed. Abdullahi underwent an operation at King’s College Hospital on Tuesday and it is hoped that he will return home to his young family later in the week. Abdullahi had only recently become self-employed, so this incident will hit him financially, as well as physically and emotionally.

In response to this Dulwich Hamlet Supporters Trust have launched an appeal for donations to help Alli stating: "DHST prides itself in supporting our local community. We are keen to play our part by supporting a neighbouring team and player at this difficult time.

"If you wish to wish to support Alli, then you can either donate here (http://gofundme.com/fundraising-for-alli-abdullahihttp://gofundme.com/fundraising-for-alli-abdullahi) or find a DHST board member to donate cash at either of our next two games (Winchester away and Met Police at home).”

Coming through the ASPIRE Academy setup Alli joined Dulwich Hamlet at the start of the 2009 season, Gavin Rose’s first term at the helm. A powerful attacking midfielder he had, prior to that, enjoyed a successful career at Peckham Town, scoring nearly a goal a game in his time there. A quick move took him from Champion Hill to Bishop’s Stortford where he became a fan favourite making more than a century of appearances. However, injury blighted his career and, after missing much of the 2010/11 season, he departed to play in Bangladesh for Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club where he helped the club to win the Premier League and Federation Cup. In 2015 he returned to Bishops’ Stortford but made just 6 appearances before re-joining Peckham Town.

We are sure everyone at Dulwich Hamlet wishes Alli all the best as he recovers from his injuries and that justice is done.