Motherwell captain Phil O’Donnell has died after collapsing towards the end of his side’s Scottish Premier League game against Dundee United.
From BBC Sport:
The 35-year-old midfielder fell to the ground just as he was about to be replaced with Marc Fitzpatrick near the end of Motherwell’s 5-3 victory.
O’Donnell was treated for around five minutes on the field before being taken to a waiting ambulance. Staff from both clubs, who believe that O’Donnell suffered a seizure, had made efforts to revive him en route to hospital. But he did not regain consciousness and was pronounced dead at 1718 GMT.
Motherwell’s match against Hibs on 2 January has been postponed, while the Fir Park club’s next fixture, against Celtic, is currently under discussion.
Speaking at a news conference at Wishaw General Hospital, Motherwell chief executive Ian Stillie said:
“The management, directors, players and fans are all stunned and having great difficulty in comprehending what has happened over the last few hours.
At this stage we do not have all the facts surrounding the tragic death of Phil O’Donnell.
We have been in contact with Phil’s wife Eileen and his family and they have given us their blessing to speak to the media tonight.
Phil collapsed during the second half of the game today. He was standing alone at the time.
He was immediately attended to by Motherwell’s club doctor and assisted by Dundee United’s club doctor.
He was transferred almost immediately to an awaiting ambulance and taken to Wishaw General.
It is believed Phil suffered some form of seizure and was pronounced dead at 1718.”
Phil O’Donnell’s Career Highlights:
1972 – born in Hamilton
1991 – joins Motherwell
1991 – scores in Scottish Cup final victory over Dundee United
1993 – earns only Scotland cap against Switzerland
1994 – sold to Celtic for a club record £1.75m
1999 – signs for Sheffield Wednesday
2003 – released after injury-hit spell at Wednesday
2004 – returns to Motherwell, becoming club captain
For more information, read:
Phil O’Donnell (Wikipedia)
Official statement on Phil O’Donnell’s death from Motherwell FC
Phil O’Donnell’s dies – BBC Sport
Phil O’Donnell Profile – Motherwell FC website
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