Ex-Sunderland and Middlesbrough striker Charlie Wyke's collapse wasn't related to Covid-19 vaccination

Wyke, 28, is in a stable condition and in communication with his family, hospital staff and the club’s medical team.

The incident happened before Wigan’s match at Cambridge on Tuesday and the striker will continue to be monitored in hospital.

In a club statement, Wigan Chief Executive, Mal Brannigan, said: “First and foremost, the absolute priority for everyone associated with Wigan Athletic is Charlie’s health and wellbeing and providing support to him and his family.

“As a Club, we would like to place on record our sincere appreciation to all of the staff within the NHS who, within what we know are challenging times, were excellent in their response and subsequent care for Charlie, working together with our medical team.

“Clearly this news will cause alarm, though we would politely request that the privacy of Charlie and his family is respected.”

Following the incident, rumours had begun to circulate that the collapse had something to do with the Covid-19 vaccination.

According to our sister paper, Wigan Today, Wyke himself was keen to get out the message that is categorically not the case.

The former Middlesbrough man has not been vaccinated, with his several Covid tests to date coming back negative.

The Latics amended their original statement to include an extra line.

They said: "With Charlie's approval, we can confirm that Charlie has not received a COVID-19 vaccination and Charlie's collapse was not related to any COVID-19 vaccination."

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor