Motherwell captain dies after collapsing on pitch

**DmanDmythDledge** · 29/12/2007, 5:34 PM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/foot...ll/7164150.stm

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.

Absolutely terrible to see another incident like this happen, RIP.

**osarusan** · 29/12/2007, 5:39 PM

A terrible thing to happen. Rest in Peace.

**GreenStar** · 29/12/2007, 5:56 PM

Phil O'Donnell R.I.P.

**onceahoop** · 29/12/2007, 6:14 PM

Absolute tragedy. R.I.P

**rambler14** · 29/12/2007, 6:55 PM

Shocking stuff alright.
Setanta cancelled their SPL highlights show due to the tragic event. They just came on and announced the death and talked to the Motherwell chief scout about how good a player he was.
According to Motherwells website both Motherwell and Dundee Utd medical teams believe he suffered a seizure.

**Anto McC** · 29/12/2007, 7:14 PM

Tragic. RIP

**sligoman** · 29/12/2007, 7:28 PM

Terrible to hear this, R.I.P.

**Bottle of Tonic** · 29/12/2007, 7:29 PM

Unreal how much this is happening these days.

My heart goes out to his family. Wife and four children. Puts it all in perspective again.

Very popular player with the Celtic supporters while playing in a difficult era.

If the game goes ahead on wednesday there'll scarcely be a dry eye in the house during YNWA.

RIP Phil O' Donnell.

**holidaysong** · 29/12/2007, 7:36 PM

This is happening too much these days. Very sad for football. RIP.

**cheifo** · 29/12/2007, 10:30 PM

Very moving images of supporters grieving from outside Fir Park.Shocking for all concerned especially wife and young kids.He seemed to be a player who had a special relationship with his club as he started off there.
R.I.P. Phil.

**SligoBrewer** · 29/12/2007, 10:42 PM

Rip ..

**Bondvillain** · 29/12/2007, 11:03 PM

Just saw it on the BBC website. Tragic.

**Réiteoir** · 29/12/2007, 11:44 PM

absolutely horrendous news - remember the fella when he played for Celtic and then went south with Simon Donnelly to Wednesday.

Must have been extremely difficult for his nephew to have been there on the pitch when it happened

**Poor Student** · 30/12/2007, 7:08 AM

Phil was a very promising young player who had his career blighted by injuries. Celtic paid £1.75m for him back in the early mid 90's. I'm absolutely stunned by this. It's terrible to think he leaves such a large young family behind. Rest in peace.

**CollegeTillIDie** · 30/12/2007, 7:56 AM

Another terrible tragedy for a young man ( relatively speaking) fit and seemingly in good condition suddenly dying . RIP
There's something totally off about someone so young dying like that.

**OwlsFan** · 30/12/2007, 8:51 AM

http://www.sheffwed.vitalfootball.co...le.asp?a=94524

Only 13 starts in 4 and a half years at Wednesday due to injuries.

Very sad news indeed.

**Maz** · 30/12/2007, 11:53 AM

absolutely shocking
So sad

Rest in Peace

**eirebhoy** · 30/12/2007, 12:10 PM

Terribly sad news.

**Rovers Fellow!** · 30/12/2007, 12:12 PM

But for injuries Phil could have went on to much better things, was an outstanding midfielder in his day. One of the best ive seen at Celtic, was very influential when celtic won title back in 1998. Terrible to see this sort of thing happen again. R.I.P Phil