Referee praised for saving player's life after stopping game

Referee James Gilbey was officiating a game between Darlington SRM and Billingham the Station Vets when two players clashed heads and fell after a challenge.

The 39-year-old brought the game, in the Sunderland and District Mill View Social Club Over 40s league, to a stop so the players could receive treatment and both felt fine to continue.

But after about 10 minutes he noticed the Billingham player looked unwell and stopped the game telling him to go to hospital.

It turned out the player had a bleed on the brain, and James has since been praised for potentially saving his life.

James Gilbey. (Image: JAMES GILBEY)

James, an assistant headteacher at a SEN school, said: “During the game, there was a coming together of two players via an accidental clash of heads. I stopped the game, allowed treatment to both players, and although no visible injuries I spoke to both players and explained that there was no rush and that the priority was them and treatment.

“Both players left the field of play and returned when appropriate. I said that I would keep an eye on them both.

“About 10 minutes later I noticed the Billingham Station player was jogging with his hand to his head. I brought the game to an immediate stop and went to the player.

“I noticed the player’s pupils weren’t quite right - they looked enlarged - and verbally checked by asking the player several questions to which the player replied but somewhat muffled and confused.

“I felt he was suffering from concussion; he was not to play any further part and needed to be monitored closely as his situation was that the player was in distress - I suggested a visit to the hospital to further assess.”

Billingham has since confirmed the player needed surgery after suffering a bleed on the brain.

The Durham FA has said his actions were “exceptional”, thanking him for his professionalism.

Recommended reading:

• 'Despicable': Homeless people being 'dumped' in North East from London
• Meet the group guarding town's duck population over fears for animals at night
• Residents react as North East block of flats evacuated after safety concerns

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access for 3 months for just £3, or get 30% off an annual subscription with our latest offer. Click here.

Billingham secretary Ian Peckett said: “James made sure all parties were ok to continue with the game. They continued for a little while then James immediately stopped the game during play as he could see our player was clearly struggling, called for assistance and the player left the field.

“It turned out that our player sustained a bleed to the brain and had to have surgery. With James’ actions and attention to players' welfare, he has potentially saved our player's life for which we are truly grateful.

“James should be commended for professionalism.”