Comic Disaster: Aussie Funnyman Dave Hughes Hospitalised with FIVE Broken Ribs and Punctured Lung After Brutal AFL Legends Clash
- Comedian Dave Hughes, 54, left gasping for air with five broken ribs and a punctured lung after a horror collision on the footy field
- Former AFL star Andrew Embley apologised for the brutal hit, saying he was “so sorry” for the damage
- Fellow players feared Hughes was “in trouble” as he struggled to breathe and begged not to be touched or moved
Australian comedian Dave Hughes is recovering in hospital after a shocking incident during the AFL Legends game at Docklands on Thursday night left him with a **shattering** five broken ribs and a punctured lung.
The 54-year-old funnyman, representing Victoria in the exhibition match, was involved in a brutal collision with former West Coast premiership player **Andrew Embley**, who won the Norm Smith Medal in the 2006 AFL grand final.
In a stunning account, Hughes revealed he attempted to mark the ball, only to be **slammed** by Embley, who came in from the side, leaving him **crumpled** on the ground.
Embley, visibly shaken, quickly apologised to Hughes, saying he was “so sorry” for causing the damage. The former AFL player praised Hughes for **courageously** continuing to play despite his injuries.
Fellow comedian and former Carlton and Brisbane forward **Brendan Fevola**, who played alongside Hughes on Victoria, witnessed the terrifying incident and expressed grave concern for the comedian’s well-being.
Fevola recalled Hughes was **gasping** for air, pleading not to be touched or picked up off the ground. “I got real worried because I went to pick him up off the ground, and he couldn’t breathe,” Fevola said. “He literally could not get up off the ground. He was lying there, and a few people thought he was putting it on, but I thought he was in trouble.”
Shocking revelations have emerged that a pre-match speech by All-Stars coach and Hawthorn legend **Shane Crawford** may have **incited** the brutal clash. Crawford jokingly urged his teammates to rough up Hughes, saying he wanted the comedian to “never put up his hand again” to play.
The incident has left the sporting community **reeling**, with many calling for greater caution and respect on the field. As Hughes recovers in hospital, fans are sending their best wishes to the beloved comedian, hoping for a speedy recovery.