SWINDON Robins team boss Alun Rossiter has called on fans to be patient and respectful when it comes to finding out the full extent of Darcy Ward’s injuries.

The Aussie remains in hospital in Poland after suffering a serious spinal injury whilst riding for Falubaz Zielona Góra Ward was left unconscious and taken from the track in an ambulance following a collision in heat 15 of the meeting between GKM Grudziadz and Zielona Gora on Sunday evening.

Ward lost control of his bike coming out of the final bend before being flung over the handlebars and landing head first into the unprotected fence down the straight.

The Robins number one underwent surgery on Sunday night, but Dr Robert Zapotocznego would not give details on the injuries sustained, but let fans know the 23-year-old was conscious and speaking.

More should be known on the condition of Ward in the coming days, but for now Rossiter has asked fans not to speculate.

“He has just had a traumatic accident and everyone wants answers now, but it doesn’t work like that,” he said.

“It is going to take time.

“They’re not releasing what is wrong with him because it is too early.

“People should be respectful towards him and his family until everything is 100 per cent clear.

“It is an emotional time for everybody and people just need to back off now.

“I’m sure they know what is wrong with him, but it is just too early to say anything for definite.

“Initially I didn’t realise it was so serious.

“It is a horrible time for everybody.

“We wish him a speedy recovery and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Ward’s parent club in the UK, Poole Pirates, were told on Sunday evening that Ward had suffered a spinal injury, for which he underwent surgery.

Poole boss Neil Middleditch and close friend Chris Holder, the Pirates’ number one, have both flown independently to Poland to be with Ward.

Ward’s father George is expected to fly to Poland to be by his son’s side, while Rossiter has said that he will let things settle before making the trip to give his support.

Pirates owner Matt Ford has said that he has been touched by the response shown by the ‘speedway family’ and he will keep people informed of any updates in Ward’s condition.

“There is not much that can be done other than to show Darcy that he has the support of everyone,” he told the club website.

“I have been touched learning of the number of messages that have been flooding in for Darcy since the news began to filter through that his injuries were serious, but that is simply typical of the speedway family and the esteem that the riders are held in within our great sport, a sport that at times can be so cruel.

“All I can say is that the speedway family continue to keep Darcy very much in their thoughts and prayers as we await further news on his condition.”