-Credit: (Image: Phil Davies)
Wrexham star Ollie Palmer has given a signed shirt to a fan he hit with a wayward shot during a pre-match warm-up.
The striker was practising shooting ahead of Phil Parkinson’s side’s 1-0 win away at Burton Albion on Saturday when he accidentally smacked a supporter behind the goal in the face with the ball.
Anthony Davies, 69, sustained facial cuts and bruises and was treated for his injuries at the Pirelli Stadium.
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Unfortunately, it meant he ended up missing the game, leading a concerned Palmer to later put out an appeal on social media to track down the lifelong Red Dragons fan.
Anthony, a former chiropodist at the club, got to meet the player at the Racecourse Ground yesterday and was gifted a signed shirt.
His son Phil has now expressed his father’s gratitude after contacting Wrexham fan podcast Fearless in Devotion.
He said: “Lots of people across lots of platforms have been asking about my dad. He is fine but was initially very dazed and has some bruising and cuts.
“Ollie came over during the incident and after the game to check on him. Then, after he reached out on Instagram, I messaged him.
“We were disappointed not to have seen the game, especially after a perilous journey through the storm.
“My dad was invited into the club where he met Ollie and received a signed shirt. He was obviously really happy that they reached out.”
Wrexham’s Ollie Palmer meets supporter Anthony Davies after accidentally hitting him with a wayward shot -Credit:Phil Davies
He added: “He’s been following the club for over 60 years but he’s never been hit by the ball before.
“Dad was the club chiropodist for many years when Mel Pejic was physio, so he’s looked after some magic feet in the past.”
Wrexham fans who witnessed the incident have praised Palmer for his actions after the update was shared on X.
Justin Evans said: “It happened right by us and fans around him and the Burton fist aid staff were excellent. Fair play to Ollie he was clearly worried before and after the game and is a class act reaching out like that.”
Another said: “Well done Ollie, he came over during the warm up and at the end of the match to check on the fella’s status. Good to see the guy on the mend.”
It’s not the first time the 32-year-old has made a kind gesture to one of the club’s supporters.
Last month, Palmer paid a surprise hospital visit to a young fan who is battling a rare form of cancer.
Archie White was recently diagnosed with myeloid sarcoma – a condition that affects less than one in a million children – and has been undergoing treatment at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool.
The former AFC Wimbledon man turned up to see the 12-year-old out of the blue and spent hours at his bedside, playing video games and giving him a signed shirt.
Palmer also made a video call to Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney to help lift the youngster’s spirits.