Motherwell Captain Dies

[Duffman 0]

Shocking news.  RIP Phil.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.

"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.

[Polar 0]

shocking news... really shocking new. RIP Phil.

[WeAreYellows49 0]

Absolutely awful for the players & fans to witness I would imagine and all involved with the club.  Condolences go to his family and friends and all those at the club.

[Stone Cold 0]

An absolute tragedy my heart goes out.

[Kissthebadge 0]

Very shocking and really puts things in perspective.  He was the same age as me.  Deepest sympathy to his family.  R.I.P Phil.

[Mello Yello 2,296]

So very, very, sad.......My commiserations to his family......I saw it on Sky, and I was so shocked.

[Gingerpele 0]

what a shame, this seem to be coming more and more oftenRIP and my thoughts are with his family