Gillingham striker Josh Walker injured after “horrific” challenge from Barrow defender George Ray – reaction from Stephen Clemence and Pete Wild

Gillingham striker Josh Walker was left concussed after a challenge that his head coach described as horrific.

A high challenge from Barrow’s George Ray floored Walker after he had been on the pitch less than a minute - replacing injured George Lapslie.

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Walker received a kick to the breastbone and landed on his head.

Referee Dean Whitestone was quick to issue a red card for Ray and the Gills player eventually recovered to sit and watch the second half after lengthy on-field treatment.

“I thought it was a bad challenge, it was pretty horrific,” said Gills boss Stephen Clemence.

“I go back to the Barrow game up at their place as well, Jonny Williams had quite a bad one early on (after a challenge from Cole Stockton in the match at Barrow last month).

“They are a physical, aggressive team, and this is not me having go at Barrow, I respect what they do but when you have physical, strong players and you miss-time a challenge people can come out on the wrong side. That’s happened to a couple of our players against Barrow in the two games.”

Commenting on the challenge on Walker, Clemence said: “Josh got quite a whack into his chest area and fell on his head, it was a double blow and it was a concussion sub in the end, because he was feeling dizzy.

“It was a hell of a whack and I am pleased to see he is okay now but will probably have to miss the next game because of the protocols.”

Walker is on the pitch for about 30 seconds and has this happen