Positive update released after linesman took ill during West Brom-Middlesbrough match

The PGMOL have released a positive update on match official Rob Smith after he took ill and had to be stretchered off early on in Middlesbrough's win over West Brom at the Hawthorns.

Around five minutes after kick-off, referee David Webb abruptly stopped the game and dashed over to his assistant linesman who it was immediately clear looked unwell. Webb called for medical assistant and Boro medical staff who were closest to the scene were first to react before being joined by West Brom team medics and other medics at the match.

A lengthy stoppage ensued as Smith received treatment and was eventually stretchered away, though positively as he was so, he was sat up and respondent on the stretcher. And now the PGMOL have said that Smith has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home.

READ MORE: Michael Carrick picks out the player who 'epitomised' Middlesbrough's victory at West Brom

SUBSCRIBE: Click here to subscribe to Teesside Live's Boro newsletter

They said in a statement: "We are pleased to update that assistant referee Rob Smith has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home. Rob underwent tests after being taken ill during the first half of the Sky Bet Championship fixture between West Brom and Boro on Tuesday evening.

"We would like to extend our thanks to both clubs, the paramedics at the Hawthorns and the staff at Manor Hospital in Walsall for their care of Rob."

When play resumed, Boro would go on to win the game 1-0, with both managers reacting to the incident after the full-time whistle. Boro boss Michael Carrick told BBC Tees: “Certainly, our thoughts go out to the assistant referee and hope that he is alright. The reports are that he is, and hopefully that is the case. We’re definitely thinking about him because it looked quite serious at the time. We send our best wishes to him.”

Baggies boss Carlos Corberan, who was asked if the incident had impacted his players, told the BBC: “It was what it was as far as the two teams and how it impacted performance. The most important thing is that hopefully he has a good recovery and we send our best wishes to him.”