Scottish football is in mourning after Motherwell midfielder, and captain, Phil O'Donnell collapsed and died during a game against Dundee United yesterday, a game which Motherwell won 5-3 and O'Donnell's nephew scored twice.
O'Donnell collapsed on the pitch as he was being substituted and was attended to by medics for a few minutes before being stretchered off. He died later in hospital.
Motherwell are currently third in the Scottish Premier League (SPL) behind Celtic and Rangers and tributes have been laid outside their Fir Park stadium.
World of football in mourning after club's captain collapses and dies on pitch
30th December 2007
Daily Mail
Motherwell FC
Tributes were pouring in today for Motherwell FC's captain Phil O'Donnell who died after collapsing during a match.
The club say they will announce plans later today for a formal tribute to the 35-year-old who died following yesterday's SPL match with Dundee United.
But football supporters of clubs across the UK have already been posting their condolences on the club's website after the tragedy.
Worried: Teammates call for help as O'Donnell lies stricken at Fir Park yesterday in Motherwell's game against Dundee United
And Well fans have been laying scarves, strips and pictures at the gates of Fir Park, as tributes flood in. O'Donnell collapsed towards the end of the match at Fir Park which Motherwell went on to win 5-3.
His nephew David Clarkson who also plays for Well was on the pitch at the time, but was immediately substituted to accompany his uncle to hospital. The club later confirmed that O'Donnell died at 5.18pm.
The player was married with four children.
Motherwell owner John Boyle said: "This is an unspeakable tragedy for Phil's family.
"Everyone at Motherwell is shocked to the core and we are sure that everyone involved in Scottish football will feel the same.
O'Donnell is taken to an ambulance, but died shortly afterwards
"Phil was not only an inspirational player for Motherwell and club captain, but was an inspirational person."
Former First Minister Jack McConnell, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, was among those to pay tribute, hailing the midfielder as a "great professional."
Tragedy: Phil O'Donnell collapsed and died during Motherwell's game against Dundee United
Mr McConnell said: "As captain he helped transform Motherwell this season.
"Phil will be sadly missed by his family and by football fans but he will be mourned by the whole community."
The player was described as a "perfect gentleman" by former Scotland boss Craig Brown.
"It's very, very sad news, I just can't get over it," Brown said.
"You would not get a more ideal role model for a young footballer than Phil O'Donnell.
"I think in his first spell at Motherwell he was probably the best box-to-box midfield player - maybe not just in Scotland but in the whole of the UK."
Fans of many different clubs were today paying their respects at Motherwell's Fir Park stadium
The club's scheduled SPL game against Hibs at Easter Road next Wednesday has now been postponed.
Brian Worton, secretary of the Motherwell FC Supporters' Association, told BBC News 24 it was a "massive loss."
He said: "I feel for his family - his wife Aileen and four children."
Mr Worton added: "He was a perfect leader for this football club and led by example.
"You couldn't find a bad thing to say about him.
"There weren't any off the pitch incidents - nothing. He was just a great, great footballer and a great leader."
dailymail.co.uk
O'Donnell collapsed on the pitch as he was being substituted and was attended to by medics for a few minutes before being stretchered off. He died later in hospital.
Motherwell are currently third in the Scottish Premier League (SPL) behind Celtic and Rangers and tributes have been laid outside their Fir Park stadium.
World of football in mourning after club's captain collapses and dies on pitch
30th December 2007
Daily Mail
Motherwell FC
Tributes were pouring in today for Motherwell FC's captain Phil O'Donnell who died after collapsing during a match.
The club say they will announce plans later today for a formal tribute to the 35-year-old who died following yesterday's SPL match with Dundee United.
But football supporters of clubs across the UK have already been posting their condolences on the club's website after the tragedy.
Worried: Teammates call for help as O'Donnell lies stricken at Fir Park yesterday in Motherwell's game against Dundee United
And Well fans have been laying scarves, strips and pictures at the gates of Fir Park, as tributes flood in. O'Donnell collapsed towards the end of the match at Fir Park which Motherwell went on to win 5-3.
His nephew David Clarkson who also plays for Well was on the pitch at the time, but was immediately substituted to accompany his uncle to hospital. The club later confirmed that O'Donnell died at 5.18pm.
The player was married with four children.
Motherwell owner John Boyle said: "This is an unspeakable tragedy for Phil's family.
"Everyone at Motherwell is shocked to the core and we are sure that everyone involved in Scottish football will feel the same.
O'Donnell is taken to an ambulance, but died shortly afterwards
"Phil was not only an inspirational player for Motherwell and club captain, but was an inspirational person."
Former First Minister Jack McConnell, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, was among those to pay tribute, hailing the midfielder as a "great professional."
Tragedy: Phil O'Donnell collapsed and died during Motherwell's game against Dundee United
Mr McConnell said: "As captain he helped transform Motherwell this season.
"Phil will be sadly missed by his family and by football fans but he will be mourned by the whole community."
The player was described as a "perfect gentleman" by former Scotland boss Craig Brown.
"It's very, very sad news, I just can't get over it," Brown said.
"You would not get a more ideal role model for a young footballer than Phil O'Donnell.
"I think in his first spell at Motherwell he was probably the best box-to-box midfield player - maybe not just in Scotland but in the whole of the UK."
Fans of many different clubs were today paying their respects at Motherwell's Fir Park stadium
The club's scheduled SPL game against Hibs at Easter Road next Wednesday has now been postponed.
Brian Worton, secretary of the Motherwell FC Supporters' Association, told BBC News 24 it was a "massive loss."
He said: "I feel for his family - his wife Aileen and four children."
Mr Worton added: "He was a perfect leader for this football club and led by example.
"You couldn't find a bad thing to say about him.
"There weren't any off the pitch incidents - nothing. He was just a great, great footballer and a great leader."
dailymail.co.uk
