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Phil O'Donnell dies after collapsing during match

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," Motherwell chairman Bill Dickie said.

O'Donnell was set to be replaced by substitute Marc Fitzpatrick but fell to the pitch as the change was taking place.

"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," Motherwell manager Mark McGhee said. "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," Dickie said.

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.

"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," chief executive of the Scottish Football Association Gordon Smith said.

And Peter Lawwell, the chief executive of Celtic, one of O'Donnell's former clubs, said: "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."

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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