BOURNEMOUTH team-mates Tyler Adams and Adam Smith were involved in a sickening collision at Villa Park.
The Cherries’ Premier League meeting with Aston Villa wasn’t even four minutes old by the time the pair clashed in mid-air.
Both players immediately hit the deck – and the scenes were worrying enough for stars on both sides to show concern.
The match was halted for several minutes as medical staff rushed onto the pitch.
Villa Park broke into an applause when Adams and Smith both rose to their feet.
But Smith was a gory sight as blood poured from a head wound.
The full-back was given further assessment on the touchline but medics deemed him unfit to continue, and he was replaced by Alex Jimenez in the 10th minute.
American international Adams – despite looking disorientated when clambering back to his feet – was allowed to play on.
Midfield star Adams has been a regular under Andoni Iraola this season, starting all 11 Premier League games so far.
Smith, though, has had to share the right-back role with Jimenez.
The Londoner, 34, came through Tottenham’s academy before moving to Bournemouth more than a decade ago.
And he has made more than 350 appearances since, sticking with them on their journey from the Championship to the Premier League, back down to the Championship and back to the Premier League again.
The Cherries have been flying under Iraola, finishing ninth last season and looking to kick on this campaign.
They rocked up at Villa Park sitting seventh in the table – level on points with Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United.
