Get well wishes for Clarke Carlisle

The world of football has pledged its support and best wishes to former Premier League player and Professional Footballers' Association chairman Clarke Carlisle following reports he has been seriously injured in a collision with a lorry.

North Yorkshire Police said a 35-year-old man was airlifted to hospital after a serious incident involving a lorry and a pedestrian on the A64, near York, yesterday morning.

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

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

One of his former clubs, Burnley, said: "The thoughts of all at Burnley Football Club are with Clarke Carlisle and his family."

And the Kick It Out anti-racism campaign 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.

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

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.

Carlisle played in defence for a number of clubs including Blackpool, QPR, Leeds United and Burnley.

After he stopped playing, he worked for the PFA and was also a regular on TV - both as a pundit but also as a contestant on the long-running Channel 4 quiz show Countdown and a guest on BBC's Question Time.

He has also presented a TV documentary about racism in the game and another - Football's Suicide Secret - about mental health issues among his fellow professionals.

Former player and media pundit Kevin Kilbane posted: "Shocked to hear the news on Clarke Carlisle. I pray for him and his family. Hope he pulls through."

Burnley fan and former Downing Street communications chief Alastair Campbell Tweeted: "Really hoping @clarkecarlisle going be ok. Thoughts with Gemma/two lovely kids. A great @BurnleyOfficial man and mental health campaigner."