GLASGOW (AFP)-Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell died on Saturday after collapsing during a match against Dundee United.
O'Donnell, 35, fell to the ground as he was about to be substituted towards the end of Motherwell's 5-3 Scottish Premier League win over Dundee United.
He then received some five minutes of treatment on the field before being carried off on a stretcher and was subsequently taken by ambulance to hospital.
"Unfortunately I can confirm very, very sad news that Phil O'Donnell has lost his life," said Motherwell chairman Bill Dickie.
O'Donnell was set to be replaced by substitute Marc Fitzpatrick in a match but fell to the pitch as the change was taking place.
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."
Dickie added the cause of O'Donnell's death has remained unknown. "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."
The midfielder's nephew, David Clarkson, who scored twice in the match, was substituted after being alarmed at the sight of his uncle's collapse.
Gordon Smith, chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, said: "This is absolutely devastating news. Phil was not just a wonderful footballer, he was a great human being. My thoughts are with his family at this tragic time."
And Peter Lawwell, the chief executive of Celtic, one of O'Donnell's former clubs, added: "When the news came through, everyone at the club was obviously shocked. 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."
Tributes also came from beyond the world of football.
Former Scotland First Minister, Jack McConnell, who represents the consistuency of Motherwell and Wishaw in the Scottish Parliament, said: "Phil O'Donnell was a great professional who was admired by fellow players and fans alike. As captain he helped transform Motherwell this season.
"Phil will be sadly missed by his family and by football fans but he will be mourned by the whole community."
O'Donnell, who won one Scotland cap, began his career with Motherwell and rejoined the club in 2004 following spells with Scottish champions Celtic, who he joined in 1994, and English League side Sheffield Wednesday.
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