Soccer: Referee dies after collapsing on pitch

A referee has died after collapsing with a heart attack on the pitch during the Third Division game between Southend and Mansfield.

Mike North was rushed to Southend General Hospital after collapsing in the centre circle three minutes before half time at Roots Hall.

A hospital spokesman said: "Mr North arrived here at about 4.15pm and despite efforts here at the hospital and earlier at the ground, we were unable to resuscitate him.

"The cause of death will not be established until a post mortem has taken place but it appears he suffered a cardiac arrest."

The spokesman said North, 41, from Wimborne, Dorset, was married.

Several people had gone to North's aid as he lay motionless on the pitch and after about five minutes he was taken off.

The players left the field immediately and shortly afterwards there was an announcement on the public address system that the match had been abandoned, with the score at 0-0.

North was taken into a dressing room before being transferred to hospital.

John Gowans, Southend's physiotherapist, was one of the first on the scene to attend to the official.

Gowans said: "When I got there he was lying face down and motionless. I checked his breathing and his pulse and both were shallow.

"The club doctor and others then took over but as far as I could see there was no response.

"Mr North was taken to the dressing room where the medics continued to work on him and he was then transferred to Southend Hospital.

"All the players are shocked and it puts life into perspective. You realise football is just a game."

Mark Kearney, Mansfield's assistant manager, said: "The official just collapsed. There was no one really near him when he fell to the ground. All my players are stunned by what has happened."

The Football Association paid tribute to North, who only graduated to the professional game this season.

"We are extremely shocked and saddened at the sudden death of Mike North at Southend today," said FA spokesman Adrian Bevington.