Clarke Carlisle: Wife Gemma 'overwhelmed' with support as Joey Barton among those to send messages to 'poorly but stable' ex-footballer

Carlisle was hit by a lorry on Monday morning on the A64 near Bishopsthorpe but his wife has confirmed he is "poorly buy alive and stable"

Clarke Carlisle applauds the Northampton fans in his final appearance before retirement (Getty Images)

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton and former West Ham and England striker Dean Ashton are among those who have sent their messages of support to Clarke Carlisle after he was hit by a lorry on Monday morning.

Latest: Carlisle in 'critical condition'

Carlisle, 35, was hit by a lorry on the A64 near the village of Bishopthorpe not far from York at 07:30am on Monday. While his condition was originally described as "critical", Carlisle's wife Gemma has confirmed that he is "very poorly but alive and stable".

Gemma took to Twitter to thank everyone that had sent their support to the Carlisle family, in which she said she was "overwhelmed" by the messages of goodwill.

She said: "Don't normally use this account anymore. But have been overwhelmed with your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.

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

The reason for the accident remains unclear, however a police spokeswoman confirmed they were "pursuing all avenues".

Messages of support have been posted all over Twitter since the news became public on Monday evening and fellow footballers and fans are hoping that Carlisle can make a full recovery.

Current QPR midfielder Barton said: “Just heard the news about Clarke Carlisle. My thoughts are with his friends and family.”

Ashton, who retired from his playing career in 2009, posted: “Wishing Clarke Carlisle a speedy recover[y] Terrible news.”

Danny Higginbotham also sent his support, posting: "Thoughts and prayers with Clarke Carlisle. Awful news."

Carlisle has worked as a TV pundit since his retirement (Getty Images)

As well as footballers, a number of clubs have sent their support to Carlisle, who is being treated at Leeds General Infirmary. Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea and Hull were among those who wished for his recovery, but perhaps the most fitting came from the club that he retired at, Northampton Town.

They said: “Sending our thoughts and prayers to Clarke Carlisle and his family at this difficult time.

“Clarke is an inspiration and a fighter and we are sure all Cobblers fans will join us in wishing him well.

“Praying for you tonight Clarke.”

Equality campaign body Kick It Out, for which Carlisle is an ambassador and has proven to be a prominent voice in the battle for inclusion and equality across the sport, tweeted: "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."

Police are yet to confirm the cause of the accident but have said in a statement that they are "pursuing all avenues".

The statement read: "The collision involved a male pedestrian and a lorry.

"The injured man has been airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary with serious injuries.

"The road was closed to allow the air ambulance to land and to allow collision investigators to examine the scene."