Former PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle seriously injured in road accident

Former Professional Footballers' Association chairman Clarke Carlisle has suffered serious injuries after being hit by a lorry.

Carlisle, who played nearly 500 matches for Burnley, Queens Park Rangers and several other teams during his career, was taken by air ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary after the incident, which took place on the A64, near York, on Monday morning.

North Yorkshire Police said a 35-year-old man was airlifted to hospital after the accident involving a lorry and a pedestrian.

The force would not confirm the injured man's identity, but social media was full of messages from well-wishers hoping Carlisle, 35, makes a quick recovery.

The Football Association wrote: "The thoughts & prayers of all at The FA are with Clarke Carlisle & his family at this sad time."

Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out, for which Carlisle is an ambassador, posted: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Kick It Out are with Clarke Carlisle and his family. Stay strong our dear friend - keep on fighting."

Burnley also reacted to the news, tweeting: "The thoughts of all at Burnley Football Club are with Clarke Carlisle and his family."

QPR also wrote: "Thoughts with Clarke Carlisle and his family."

Police have appealed for witnesses to the collision on the A64 near the village of Bishopthorpe, at around 7.30am.

A spokeswoman said: "The collision involved a male pedestrian and a lorry. The injured man has been airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary with serious injuries.

"The road was closed to allow the air ambulance to land and to allow collision investigators to examine the scene."

Part of the road was closed for a number of hours while investigations took place.