Horror injury prompts urgent calls for an immediate rule change

Ilfracombe Town Football Club is calling for the immediate banning of micro shin pads following a horrendous injury sustained by forward Riley Malin.

Playing in a South West Peninsula League fixture at Bridport, Malin suffered a tragic double leg break following a challenge with the home goalkeeper, and the Ilfracombe management team have placed the blame on a strange recent fashion in football: the micro shin pads.

The club issued the following statement: “Following the events that took place at Bridport FC, Ilfracombe Football Club is implementing an immediate and non-negotiable ban on the use of micro shin pads across all age groups and squads, from youth teams through to senior teams.

“This decision has been made in the interest of player safety and welfare, and to ensure that all players are equipped with protective gear that meets required safety standards.

“All players must wear regulation-sized, fully protective shin pads for all matches, training sessions, and club-sanctioned activities.

“Any player found wearing micro shin pads—or any shin protection that does not meet accepted safety standards—will not be permitted to participate until compliant equipment is worn.

“The incident at Bridport highlighted the unacceptable risk posed by inadequate protective equipment. The club has a duty of care to every player, and this measure is essential to maintaining safe and responsible playing conditions.”

The horrible scenes at Bridport, the pain felt by Riley and the obvious distress of his team-mates, the opposition players and everyone in attendance should be evidence enough to make this change immediate and mandatory.

In these horrible circumstances, Ilfracombe Town chairman Nick Jupp praised the actions of all those who supported Riley.

He said: “Our club experienced one of the toughest moments we’ve faced in recent seasons. During a 50/50 challenge in our match against Bridport, Riley Malin suffered a horrendous injury to his left leg, resulting in a broken fibula and tibia. It was an incident no one ever wants to witness on a football pitch, and our thoughts are firmly with Riley and his family.

“On behalf of the entire club, I want to express our deep gratitude to Bridport’s committee, who showed exceptional generosity and sportsmanship by donating the full 50/50 prize draw winnings to Riley. We would also like to give a heartfelt thanks to the match referee, who generously donated his match fee. These gestures epitomise the best of our football community, and we are sincerely appreciative.

“I could not be prouder of our own players. Their immediate response, care, and support for Riley was second to none—a reflection not only of their commitment to their team-mate, but of their respect and friendship for him as a person. Moments like this show the true character of our squad.”