Soccer: Sympathy for referee who died on pitch

Hampshire Football Association chief executive Laurence Jones has expressed his sympathy over the death of referee Mike North.

North collapsed during Southend's game against Mansfield at Roots Hall yesterday.

Desperate attempts were made to save his life as he was stretchered from the pitch but he was declared dead on arrival at Southend Hospital.

Jones, himself a referee, has known North for 15 years and saw his ascent into the professional ranks at close quarters.

"This is a shocking and tragic incident," said Jones. "The whole refereeing fraternity are absolutely numbed and very sad at this loss.

"This is particularly poignant because it was Mike's first season as a Football League referee."

Jones said he had passed on his personal condolences to 40-year-old North's wife Teresa and two daughters.

"Everyone is totally devastated by Mike's death and on behalf of his family I would request that the media respect their privacy at this time," he said.