Assistant referee's 'rare bleed on the brain' sees game abandoned

Friday, 30 December 2022 00:00

Laverstock and Ford FC's local derby against Bemerton Heath Harlequins was abandoned mid-way through the first half after assistant referee Andy Brown needed urgent medical care.

After 26 minutes, the assistant referee collapsed and was airlifted to hospital after receiving support from both sets of club officials and paramedics after they arrived on site.

The official suffered from a rare brain bleed, and he was whisked away by air ambulance to Southampton General Hospital.

Andy's wife Jenny published a post on social media in the following days confirming that he remained in the hospital and was undergoing tests.

Jenny said, "As you can imagine, he is very confused, and his memory is non-existent on what happened on Tuesday."

She continued and thanked those involved in the incident: "I cannot express my thanks enough to all of you who helped treat Andy and had to make split-second decisions, and for the support myself and my daughter received."

Image: Laverstock & Ford FC

In light of the game being abandoned, Laverstock and Ford FC made the decision to donate the proceeds from the game to Wiltshire Air Ambulance for their swift response. They have donated £1,180 to the charity.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance publically thanked the club. They said via social media: "Thank you for your generous donation @lavvyfc. We are so glad that we were able to be there for Andy at his time of need. Wishing him all the best with his recovery. "

Feature Image: Laverstock and Ford FC

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