Ipswich Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins said the team's thoughts are all with star Emil Sayfutdinov after their star man was hurt in a horror crash at Sheffield last night.

The table-topping Witches were beaten 46-44, but the result paled into insignificance as Sayfutdinov fell in the final heat.

The Witches' star man, who top-scored on the night with 13+1, was hurled into the fence and then bounced back into the track, where he was hit by Tigers' guest ride Chris Harris.

He was taken away in an ambulance for treatment as the final heat was awarded 5-1 to the hosts, giving them the win and the league points.  

Ipswich Witches team manager Ritchie HawkinsIpswich Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins (Image: Steve Waller)
Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins said: "I thought we put in a tremendous performance, and I am super proud of them but none of that matters at all now. The result is immaterial because our thoughts are with Emil.

“It was another strong all-round team performance with everyone contributing with vital points at vital times. It looked like it was going to be an extremely good evening for us before heat 15 and all six riders I was happy with.

“Talking about the table to be brutally honest couldn’t be further from our minds. We are top and a win tonight probably would have secured finishing top but if we lose Emil as well, the season going forward is very difficult.

"It is all too early to assess that, we know we are in the play-offs and we have a month now to see if we can get ready and fit for it.”

The Witches later shared a social media post from Sayfutdinov in which he revealed that he hadn't broken any bones in the crash.

He wrote: "They scan my body and they confirm that I have no broken bones which I feel that on the track already.

"I have big cut on my right buttock which one have to be stitched together. So this will keep me in hospital for sure up to Saturday.

"In that case I would like to say thank you to all paramedics at the stadium and the hospital.

"All rider who was helping me at the track. All club members and managements. Really appreciate all this

"And now thank you to all fans!!!! You all are legends!!!! I have got so many messages with good wishes."

The Witches return to action against Leicester at Foxhall on Thursday night.

SHEFFIELD 46: Jack Holder 16+1, Kyle Howarth (c) 6+2, Chris Holder 6, Josh Pickering 5+1, Chris Harris (G) 11+1, Jason Edwards 1, Dan Gilkes (RS) 1. 

IPSWICH 44: Jason Doyle R/R, Adam Ellis 9, Emil Sayfutdinov 13+1, Dan Thompson (RS) 5, Danny King (c) 4, Keynan Rew 7, Jordan Jenkins 6+2.