A real man of the match! Non-league goalkeeper saves spectator's life - minutes after he was sent off

A former professional footballer has been hailed a hero after he saved the life of a rival fan - minutes after being sent off.

Goalkeeper Ben Scott, 30, was devastated after being ordered off the pitch for kicking out at an opposition player.

But as he stormed down the tunnel he heard cries for help coming from the crowd.

The qualified nurse turned around and ran back out onto the pitch to the rescue of a fan who had suddenly collapsed on the terraces.

A spectator, a man in his 70s, had stopped breathing and Ben took off his gloves and helped two charity volunteers to deliver CPR and use a defibrillator to revive him.

The fan, who has not been named, is recovering in hospital after the footballer was able to restore his heart's rhythm back to a normal rate.

Former Sheffield United player Ben, from Sheffield, Yorks, said: 'If I hadn't been sent off or if I wasn't playing in the game, I wouldn't have been able to help the gentleman.

'All I can hope is that he makes some kind of recovery. He's been given the best chance. It was the initial response from the St John Ambulance that saved the man's life.

'If anyone should take the credit it's those two. They do it for free. It's humbling.'

[Video: Teacher nails class clown with perfect throw]

Rival fans took to Twitter to praise the opposition goalkeeper for saving the man's life.

David Whitehouse wrote: 'You are a credit to your club for helping out in the crowd.'

Ben was sent off in the first minute of stoppage time during Stocksbridge Park Steels 3-3 draw at King's Lynn Town on Saturday (24/8).

The Evotsick Premier League game was played at The Walks ground in King's Lynn, Norfolk.