Referee dies in hospital after 'freak accident' during Lincolnshire school match

A "much-respected" referee who was injured in a "freak accident" during a school match has died in hospital.

Lincolnshire Football Association said Michael Grant, from Ruskington, had been officiating a school fixture when he "suffered a serious head injury".

Mr Grant - known as Mick by the football community - was hurt on 19 October. He died "peacefully" in hospital on Monday.

In a statement, Lincolnshire FA said its "thoughts at this sad time" were with Mr Grant's "family and friends".

It added: "Mick was refereeing a school game last Wednesday when he suffered a serious head injury in a freak accident.

"A genial man, he regularly officiated two to three games a week, always with a smile on his face.

"Football in Lincolnshire has lost a much respected referee in the process of doing what he loved and the whole football family sends our heartfelt condolences to his wife, daughter, grandson and his many friends."

Boston and District Saturday Football League said the official was injured during a youth game at Carre's Grammar School in Sleaford when he was struck by a "stray ball", according to reports.

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In a post on Twitter, the league said its "thoughts" were with "Mick's family at this sad time".

A minute's silence is expected to be held before this weekend's football fixtures in the area.