A football referee died today after collapsing with a heart attack on the pitch during an English third division match.
Mike North was rushed to hospital after collapsing in the centre circle three minutes before half-time during Southend United's home game against Mansfield.
"Despite efforts here at the hospital and earlier at the ground, we were unable to resuscitate Mr North,"said a hospital spokesman.
"The cause of death will not be established until a post mortem has taken place but it appears he suffered a cardiac arrest."
Several people went to his aid as he lay motionless on the pitch and after a delay of five minutes he was lifted on to a stretcher and carried off.
The players followed off the pitch immediately and it was subsequently announced that the game had been abandoned. -AFP-
