Unbelievable but it happened: England international John Bateman hospitalised after spider bite
In a bizarre turn of events, England rugby league star John Bateman found himself fighting for his health after an unexpected encounter with a venomous spider. The 30-year-old forward, known for his ferocious tackles and unyielding stamina, was admitted to a Manchester hospital late last Tuesday evening. What began as a routine evening stroll near his northwest England home quickly spiralled into a medical emergency.
According to Bateman’s fiancée, Phoebe, he felt a sharp, burning sensation near his ankle during a garden walk. Assuming it was an insect bite, he initially dismissed the discomfort. However, within hours, the site became red, swollen, and excruciatingly painful. By midnight, Bateman developed a high fever and alarming chills. Concerned teammates rushed him to A&E, where doctors identified a bite from a rare false widow spider—a species whose venom can induce severe reactions in humans.
Hospital staff placed Bateman on intravenous antibiotics and pain relief, monitoring his vital signs around the clock. Specialists described the swelling as “unprecedented” for a false widow bite, attributing it to an allergic reaction that aggravated surrounding tissue. Medical sources revealed the risk of necrosis was significant, prompting immediate intervention to prevent lasting damage.
Despite the frightening ordeal, Bateman remained upbeat. “I’ve tackled bigger threats on the pitch, but this took me by surprise,” he joked from his hospital bed on Thursday afternoon. His teammates visited him, arriving with cards, chocolates, and messages of encouragement.
Coaches have postponed his return to training as a precaution. While batten march may resume in several weeks, this incident underscores the unpredictable hazards that even elite athletes can face off the field. As Bateman continues his recovery, fans worldwide send their best wishes, celebrating his resilience in the face of a c
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