A SOCCER fan spent more than three weeks in a coma after suffering serious head injuries in a freak accident following Manchester City's UEFA Cup tie with German side Schalke.

Carl Ramsbottom, 44, had been travelling back to his hotel after seeing his team win 2-0 at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, when he became caught in a crush at Dusseldorf railway station.

He lost his footing and fell down a staircase badly injuring his head.

He was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery to release fluid pressure on his brain.

Doctors put him into an induced coma to help his recovery, and Carl only opened his eyes for the first time since the accident at the weekend.

His family who live in Heywood, say they have been told his condition is improving, but it could be some time before he is fit enough to travel home.

In the meantime, his twin brother Andrew is having to travel backwards and forwards between the family home in Miller Street, where he lives with his elderly parents, and the hospital in Dusseldorf.

Now a fundraising campaign has been launched by Blues fans to help provide financial assistance both to Carl, and the family.

Notes have been posted on the Manchester City supporters' website Blue Moon, and 'bucket' collections are being arranged in advance of City's game against Hull on Boxing Day and against Blackburn away on Sunday.

His cousin Ian Ramsbottom, who lives in Higher Blackley, Manchester said: "Everyone has just been fantastic. City fans look after their own and are doing all they can to help, but it has been heartening that in Liverpool where Carl now lives, both Liverpool and Everton supporters have already raised £750 for the appeal."

He said: "We still don't know for sure exactly how the accident happened, but we know Carl lost his footing, or fell at the railway station after the match. It was apparently very, very crowded, with people rushing to catch trains home.

"We were told the doctors had to operate to drain fluid from his head because of the injuries he had sustained, and he was then put into a coma.

Sedated

"Since the weekend we have been told that he is still sedated but his condition is stable. He hasn't been able to speak yet, and it looks like it is going to be a long road to recovery.

"His brother Andrew is there at the moment, and has been flying to and fro since the accident happened, which is putting a considerable strain on finances.

"We are trying to raise funds to help the family in general. We don't know how long Carl will be in hospital, or how long it will be before he can think about returning to work."

Carl's Mum Annie said: "We have been worried sick. It seems to have been one step forward and then two backwards, but at least there now seem to be signs of improvement.

"His dad Les and I would dearly love to be there at his side, but Les has recently had a serious hip operation, and I'm not in the best of health myself.

"Carl is separated from his wife Basha, but she has been spending time at the hospital with him, and we have been heartened by messages of support and comfort from so many people.

"Both Carl and Andrew have been Manchester City fans since their early teens, and it is wonderful that fellow Blues have expressed a wish to be there for him.

"Ian has been absolutely wonderful and is running around organising all kinds of things to help. We are just praying that Carl will be alright, and waiting for the day when he comes home again."

A spokesman for Manchester City Football Club said: "Our thoughts are with Carl and all of his family. We are delighted that he is now out of his coma and we would like to wish him a speedy recovery. We would also love to welcome him as a special guest on one of our match days when he is back to fitness."