Soccer fans were left stunned when the referee collapsed and died during a Southend United home game.

The match was abandoned after Mike North suffered a suspected heart attack at 4pm, right on the stroke of half-time, silencing the crowd of 3,986 shocked spectators.

Players and fans stood and stared at yesterday's Third Division clash between Southend United and Mansfield Town, as the 41-year-old lay motionless in the centre circle, face down on the pitch.

Blues physio John Gowens sprinted to his aid, followed by two club doctors and St John's Ambulance staff.

Mr North, from Poole in Dorset, was taken to the players' tunnel on a stretcher, where paramedics frantically tried to revive him before he was rushed to Southend Hospital.

Mr Gowens, who was first on the scene, said: "As soon as I got to the referee I checked his breathing and pulse but it was very shallow. I did what I could before the doctors took over from me but after five minutes they were getting no response so they took him off the pitch.

"The paramedics took over in the tunnel and tried to bring the referee back round - everybody did everything they could.

"This incident really puts life into perspective and makes you realise that football is just a game."

Paramedics gave Mr North the kiss-of-life outside the players' changing rooms and also used a defibrillator and adrenaline injection as they battled to save his life.

Blues boss David Webb praised them for their efforts.

He said: "The paramedics worked so fast and did everything in their power to help the referee. I can't praise them enough and it is very sad their best efforts weren't enough to prevent this tragedy.

"The remaining three match officials were very upset and couldn't carry on with the game under the circumstances, which was fully understandable.

"I've certainly never seen anything like this during all of my years in football."

Both sets of players were called off the pitch and the game, which was delayed by ten minutes because of an accident on the A127, was finally called off at 4.18pm.

Fans inside the ground, who were kept up to date on events via the Roots Hall tannoy system, respectfully applauded the decision to postpone the match.

Blues now hope to play the game again tomorrow and fans have been asked to keep their ticket stubs so they can collect a refund.

Mr North leaves a wife and two young daughters.

(Right) Battle for life - referee Mike North lays face-down on the pitch

Picture: DAVE MONTIER

(Left) Moments before the drama - Mike North keeps a close eye on the game

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

(Below right) Stretcher - ref Mike North is carried off the Roots Hall pitch

Picture: DAVE MONTIER

Friend's tribute to keep-fit fan

Soccer referee Mike North, a father-of-two, was rushed to Southend Hospital where doctors tried in vain to revive him.

Hospital duty manager Kevin McKenny said: "He arrived at the hospital between 4.15pm and 4.20pm. However, despite efforts by staff to revive him, he died. His next of kin have been informed."

It is believed Mr North, who lived in Poole, Dorset and worked for an office partition company, suffered a heart attack although hospital bosses said they were not yet able to confirm it. A post mortem into the cause of death will be held soon.

A close friend of Mr North, fellow official Lawrence Jones, said: "I am exceptionally upset. It's a very, very sad loss. Mike was an absolute gentleman and a true friend. Our thoughts are with his wife and daughters right now. Our hearts go out to them.

"I have known Mike for many years and we went up through the ranks of refereeing together. He was a good colleague. No-one should go out and referee a football match and not come back."

His wife, Teresa, drove to Southend from the family home afternoon after hearing the news.

A neighbour of Mr North's said he was keen on keeping fit.

Doreen Everitt, who lives close by in the quiet cul-de-sac, said: "Every day when he came home from work he went jogging and when he was not jogging he was cycling and would often cycle several miles to work. He only recently made the step-up to refereeing big games just before Christmas. Before that he was just refereeing locally."

She added: "I babysat for his two daughters, Olivia, 10, and Victoria, seven, when he was out to celebrate his 40th birthday. They are great neighbours and our children all play together and to hear what has happened is a real shock."

The Football Association paid tribute to Mr North. A spokesman said: "We are extremely shocked and saddened at the death of Mike. We would like to pass on all of our condolences and deepest sympathies to his family at this tragic time.

"He was a very well-respected referee in his first year on the Football League list."

By Bernie Friend

Reporter's e-mail: bernie.friend@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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