Earlier this year Sevilla star Antonio Puerta died after collapsing in a normal Spanish League game. This horror tragically moved to the UK this weekend when Motherwell captain Phil O’Donnell lost his life after collapsing during his team’s 5-3 win over Dundee Utd.
O’Donnell was about to be substituted when he fell to the ground. He was treated for five minutes before being stretchered off Fir Park and into an ambulance.
Motherwell Chairman Bill Dickie said:
“Unfortunately I can confirm very, very sad news that Phil O’Donnell has lost his life. We don’t know what it was, but there will be a post-mortem. This is a tragic happening and that’s all I can say.”
Manager Mark McGhee added:
“I don’t want to say anything more than how devastated everyone at the club is for his wife and his young children. That’s what we are all feeling tonight, nothing else matters.
“Obviously from the club’s point of view we’ll gather round to give his family as much support as they need.”
R.I.P Phil O’Donnell