Motherwell captain dies
Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2007 7:33 pmOn the news now, yet another unforeseen tragedy. It wouldn't surprise me if the cause was a heart problem. RIP mate.
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MOTHERWELL captain Phil O'Donnell died on Saturday after he collapsed during his team's match with Dundee United.
The 35-year-old fell to the Fir Park ground just as he was about to be replaced by Marc Fitzpatrick. He was taken to hospital where he later died, club chairman Bill Dickie confirmed.
Phil O'Donnell, in Saturday's game, chasing Mark Kerr of Dundee United, left. Picture: SNS
Dickie said: "Unfortunately I can confirm very, very sad news that Phil O'Donnell has lost his life.
"We don't know what it was but there will be a post-mortem.
"This is a tragic happening and that's all I can say."
After been treated for around five minutes on the field the former Celtic player was carried off on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance.
O'Donnell's nephew, David Clarkson, was also playing in the match, was taken off after being alarmed by the incident.
O'Donnell, who won one Scotland cap, began his career with Motherwell and rejoined the club in 2004 following spells with Celtic, who he joined in a £1.75 million deal in 1994, and Sheffield Wednesday.
Motherwell manager Mark McGhee said: "I don't want to say anything more than how devastated everyone at the club is for his wife and his young children.
"That's what we are all feeling tonight, nothing else matters.
"Obviously from the club's point of view we'll gather round to give his family as much support as they need."
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell expressed the club's sadness at the death of their former player.
"When the news came through, everyone at the club was obviously shocked," said Lawwell. "Obviously our thoughts are with his family to whom we offer extreme condolences for a tragic loss of a young life.
"Everyone at Celtic Park will mourn him."
The Scotsman
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MOTHERWELL captain Phil O'Donnell died on Saturday after he collapsed during his team's match with Dundee United.
The 35-year-old fell to the Fir Park ground just as he was about to be replaced by Marc Fitzpatrick. He was taken to hospital where he later died, club chairman Bill Dickie confirmed.
Phil O'Donnell, in Saturday's game, chasing Mark Kerr of Dundee United, left. Picture: SNS
Dickie said: "Unfortunately I can confirm very, very sad news that Phil O'Donnell has lost his life.
"We don't know what it was but there will be a post-mortem.
"This is a tragic happening and that's all I can say."
After been treated for around five minutes on the field the former Celtic player was carried off on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance.
O'Donnell's nephew, David Clarkson, was also playing in the match, was taken off after being alarmed by the incident.
O'Donnell, who won one Scotland cap, began his career with Motherwell and rejoined the club in 2004 following spells with Celtic, who he joined in a £1.75 million deal in 1994, and Sheffield Wednesday.
Motherwell manager Mark McGhee said: "I don't want to say anything more than how devastated everyone at the club is for his wife and his young children.
"That's what we are all feeling tonight, nothing else matters.
"Obviously from the club's point of view we'll gather round to give his family as much support as they need."
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell expressed the club's sadness at the death of their former player.
"When the news came through, everyone at the club was obviously shocked," said Lawwell. "Obviously our thoughts are with his family to whom we offer extreme condolences for a tragic loss of a young life.
"Everyone at Celtic Park will mourn him."
The Scotsman
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