Clapping for an injured player?

Question

Why do people clap for an injured player; when an injured player gets helped off the field? I was watching a replay of a football game, and there was a football player that got injured and was helped off the field on a stretcher. When the player was lifted on the stretcher the people in the stands and his teammates started clapping. Why do people clap when a player gets help off the field during a game? Do they clap because they hope the player recovers? I'm just curious.

Answer 1

Sometimes they clap when the injury was serious and the guy is still alive.  Esp auto crashes.

But most of the time, its to show they appreciate him for going all out, for the sake of the game.  

Answer 2

We clap because he did his job but got hurt, so we show support.  It's especially true when they get up off the field of their own volition.  It's kinda like saying a little prayer that he's okay.

Answer 3

They clap to express support. Surely you didn't think they were clapping because they were glad he got injured?

Answer 4

They clap to let the player know they appreciate his courage and hope he recovers soon.  

Answer 5

They applaud to indicate their  appreciation for his work and hope for his recovery.

Answer 6

They clap for the player to show they are glad they're not seriously hurt when they walk off the field.  If they go off on a stretcher, it's to show them that we are appreciative of their efforts and we hope they are OK.  Hopefully we see them walk off the field, and not be helped off on a stretcher.