Motherwell captain O'Donnell dies
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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.
Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith led the tributes.
"This is absolutely devastating news," he said.
My thoughts are with his family at this tragic time
Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith
"Phil was not just a wonderful footballer, he was a great human being.
"My thoughts are with his family at this tragic time."
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 at the time.
McGhee said O'Donnell's substitution had been "an absolute coincidence" before his sudden seizure.
"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.
O'Donnell, who earned one cap for Scotland, was lauded as one of the country's brightest talents when he broke into the Motherwell first team as a teenager.
He moved on to Celtic for a club record £1.75m fee, but injury problems were to blight his time with the Glasgow club and his next club, Sheffield Wednesday.
O'Donnell returned to Motherwell in 2004 and became club captain, playing beside his nephew.
PHIL O'DONNELL'S CAREER
1972 - born in Hamilton
1991 - joins Motherwell
1991 - scores in Scottish Cup final victory over Dundee United
1993 - earns only Scotland cap against Switzerland
1994 - sold to Celtic for a club record £1.75m
1999 - signs for Sheffield Wednesday
2003 - released after injury-hit spell at Wednesday
2004 - returns to Motherwell, becoming club captain -
Oh man, that's sad.
RIP and bless his family.. -
RIP
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These heart attacks..what actually caused it? is it genetic? Or is it because of obesity?
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i was about to post this.
R.I.P O'Donnell..
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He was quite old already at 35... should have retire last season or 2 ago... All that running won't be good for the heart...
Didn't know the player at all but still... sad to read this kind of news.
RIP. -
Oh my
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*Motherwell's next game called off*
Motherwell's Scottish Premier League fixture with Hibernian on Wednesday has been postponed following the death of Phil O'Donnell.
The midfielder died, aged just 35, on Saturday after collapsing on the pitch as he was about to be substituted in the 5-3 win over Dundee United.
As a mark of respect, the SPL has confirmed that Wednesday's game at Easter Road has been called off.
SPL chairman Lex Gold said: "All of us at the Scottish Premier League are devastated at this awful, untimely death.
"Phil was a first-class footballer and a fine young man.
"We send our condolences to his family and friends.
"As a mark of respect we have called off Wednesday's game with Hibernian at Easter Road."
A spokesman for the SPL confirmed Wednesday's remaining five games will go ahead. -
Rest In Peace
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another football tragic -
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Caldwell expresses supplements fears
Celtic's Gary Caldwell has called for research into the effects of food supplements and energy drinks following the death of Phil O'Donnell.
A distraught Caldwell questioned the way modern-day footballers are asked to re-fuel before and after games.
He said: "When I heard the news on Saturday night, football did seem insignificant at that point.
"It does put football into the background and who wins leagues and who wins points does seem irrelevant at this time.
"We are all distraught and it's a hard time for everyone at the minute.
"I think everyone's thoughts are just with Phil's family and Motherwell as well.
"We are just thinking about his family and hopefully everyone can gather around them at this time.
"I have thought about it. You drink energy drinks, you take supplements and you do it to become a better player.
"But I think somebody has got to look into it and try to see if it does affect you." -
so sad... RIP.
i noticed everyone were wearing a black band rite? is it in memory for him? -
Yup.Originally posted by 798:so sad... RIP.
i noticed everyone were wearing a black band rite? is it in memory for him?
Anyways, James McFadden scored just now and dedicated his goal to O'Donnell. Good gesture i feel. -
Footballer died of heart failure
A post-mortem examination has found that Motherwell footballer Phil O'Donnell died from heart failure.
Robert Liddle, the club doctor, said: "The post-mortem revealed that Phil had suffered left ventricular failure of the heart."
It was also announced that the player's funeral service would take place in Hamilton at noon on Friday. -
just curious, at this modern age, surely these things should be picked up during medicals or checks..
just amazed at this happening. -
Football stars bid farewell to O'Donnell
Hundreds of fans today joined stars from the football world to say farewell to tragic Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell.
A guard of honour was formed by the Motherwell youth team for the arrival at the church of the player's widow, Eileen, and their four children, who each carried a single rose.
Mourners began arriving a full two hours early for the Requiem Mass, which started at midday.
Celtic captain Stephen McManus was among the early arrivals and was later joined by the rest of the Celtic team, along with manager Gordon Strachan and club chairman John Reid, the former Home Secretary.
Rangers captain Barry Ferguson and the club's assistant manager, Ally McCoist, were also present, along with senior players David Weir and Lee McCulloch.
After the funeral Bernard O'Donnell, Phil's father, issued a statement on behalf of the family.
He said: "As a family we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the many, many people who have showed us great kindness and support during the last week.
"From the moment this terrible tragedy happened, we have been deeply moved by the efforts made to comfort and assist our family. This has meant a great deal to Eileen and everyone in the family.
"We also appreciate the efforts made by people to pay their respects to Phil today at St Mary's Church. To see so many people standing outdoors for a long time was very emotional for us all and we would like to thank everyone."