Clarke Carlisle is 'very poorly but alive and stable' in hospital after being hit by a lorry in north Yorkshire early on Monday morning.

Carlisle, who retired as player last year, was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary following an accident on the A64 with serious but not life-threatening injuries. Carlisle, who was badly cut and suffered broken ribs, underwent an operation on Tuesday morning.

Carlisle's wife Gemma gave an update on his condition on Tuesday lunchtime via Twitter: "Clarke's very poorly but he's alive and stable. Best Christmas gift we as a family could wish for. Thanks again."

North Yorkshire Police would not confirm that Carlisle was involved in the accident but 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, on Monday morning.

 Twitter

@gemmacarlisle

Clarke's very poorly but he's alive and stable. Best Christmas gift we as a family could wish for. Thanks again.

The football community was quick to pledge its support to Clarke and wish him a speedy recovery. The Football Association tweeted: "The thoughts & prayers of all at The FA are with Clarke Carlisle & his family at this sad time."

Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out, for which Carlisle is an ambassador, 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."

And the Football League added: "Our thoughts & those of everyone that watches Football League clubs will be with Clarke Carlisle and his family this evening."