Greater Manchester's oldest football referee Eric, 82, collapses five minutes into game with heart attack
An 82 year-old football referee - believed to be the oldest ref in Greater Manchester - collapsed with a suspected heart attack just five minutes into a game he was officiating.
A JustGiving appeal has now been launched for Eric and his wider family, as he continues to receive specialist treatment at Wythenshawe Hospital following surgery. His family told the Manchester Evening News on Tuesday that he remained in a stable condition in an induced coma.Great-grandfather Eric, a retired engineer and cleaner who lives in Wythenshawe, has been refereeing games for more than 60 years.
Scott Davies, player/manager of Penlake Juniors AFC, said players, officials on the sideline and watching spectators rushed to Eric's assistance after he collapsed. A spokesperson from the family said: "We have been so overwhelmed by the support that we have received. All the good wishes that we have had - it's amazing.
Eric was a regular referee at the indoor Powerleague in Trafford, based at the Soccer Dome near the Trafford Centre, but also refereed 11-a-side association league fixtures.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Greater Manchester Police didn't care I was abused, woman saysA woman who was forced into prostitution by her husband says police ignored her repeated pleas.
Read more »
Mapped: Strep A and Scarlet Fever cases across Greater ManchesterScarlet fever infections remain high throughout the region
Read more »
Criminals locked up in Greater Manchester last weekPrison sentences are handed out to the worst offenders every week in our region
Read more »
The Greater Manchester schools closed on Wednesday as strike hits classroomsThe Greater Manchester schools closed on Wednesday as strike action hits classrooms
Read more »
Five best pubs in Greater Manchester nominated by you - how to vote for winnerGreater Manchester's five best pubs nominated by you in Love Your Local awards - how to vote for winner
Read more »
Greater Manchester's 'hidden army' of unemployed lost in the cracksReport reveals North-South divide in numbers of people classed as 'involuntarily inactive'
Read more »