Motherwell captain O'Donnell dies

[Zoom7000]

Motherwell captain O'Donnell dies

Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell has died after collapsing towards the end of his side's Scottish Premier League game against Dundee United.

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.

But his death was later confirmed by Well chairman Bill Dickie.

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee had spoken briefly to the press after the game before going to hospital to find out how the skipper was.

We took Clarkson off because he got a fright from the nature of the collapse

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee

"He's had some sort of collapse," he said.

McGhee said O'Donnell's substitution had been "an absolute coincidence" before his sudden collapse.

"We just felt we would save him a bit for Wednesday," said the manager.

O'Donnell's nephew, David Clarkson, was substituted moments later after scoring two goals in the Scottish Premier League match.

McGhee said: "We took Clarkson off because he got a fright from the nature of the collapse.

"A few of the boys got a fright."

A news conference has been called at Wishaw General Hospital, which will be addressed by chief executive Ian Stillie.

Source - BBC Sport

This is getting scary, yet another footballer dying so suddenly and unexpectedly :(

[Rappy Veteran]

I just heard about this...really sad :(

[Martyn]

Terrible news :(

[I am Reid]

ummm, who rated this topic?

[Martyn]

Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell died of heart failure, a post mortem examination has confirmed.

O'Donnell, 35, collapsed during Saturday's SPL game against Dundee United.

Dr Robert Liddle, the club doctor, said: "The post mortem revealed that Phil had suffered left ventricular failure of the heart."

O'Donnell's funeral service will take place in Hamilton on Friday at noon.

O'Donnell's widow has spoken publicly for the first time since his death on the field.

Mrs O'Donnell said she has been left "devastated" by her husband's death,adding that he would want to be remembered as a family man.

Mrs O'Donnell, mother of the couple's four children, visited a makeshift tribute created by fans of scarves, strips and pictures at Motherwell's Fir Park ground on Monday.

"Although he achieved so much in football the most important thing for him was his family," said Mrs O'Donnell.

"He would like to be remembered as a family man and we were all so proud of

him.

"We are all devastated by what has happened.

"We hope we will now be given peace and time to grieve but we are overwhelmed by the messages of support we have received."

Dundee United

Meanwhile, Dundee United have failed with a bid to postpone Wednesday's SPL match against Hearts.

The Scottish Premier League sanctioned the cancellation of the Old Firm derby, as well as Motherwell's game against Hibernian and the Gretna-St Mirren match, which would have taken place at Fir Park.

A statement on the club's official website, read: "Following further deliberations and dialogue with the players, the club today requested permission to postpone the game against Hearts.

"However, we have been advised that the game must go ahead as scheduled.

"The club would like to thank all those who have contacted us on this matter.

"On these occasions it is difficult to know which path to follow and decisions on whether to play the game, or not, are never easy to take.

"However we trust that supporters understand that the club and the SPL have taken all factors into account."

[L3thal Veteran]

The second death in just a few months due to the same thing :(

[Farstrider]

I see that the autopsy revealed that he had a heart attack! This is a very sad thing for all football fans and my thoughts go out to his friends and family. I also see that the "Old firm" match was postponed. :cry: