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A school referee in the United Kingdom died after he was hit by a soccer ball during a match last week, according to reports.
Michael Grant was officiating a soccer youth game at Carre’s Grammar School in Sleaford, England, on Oct. 19 when he was struck on the head by a stray ball, U.K.’s The Times reported, citing the Boston and District Saturday Football League.
The grandfather-of-one from Ruskington suffered a brain bleed and died at a hospital Monday.
Carre’s Grammar School was “shocked and saddened” by Grant’s death, according to a report by the BBC.
“He was well-liked by the staff and the boys and was an important part of the sporting life here at Carre’s. We will all miss him immensely and our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” school head Nick Law was quoted as saying by the outlet.
A number of local soccer ball clubs paid tribute to Grant, including Sleaford United Youth FC, Sleaford Town Junior FC, Spalding United and Grimsby Corinthians.
Sleaford United described the deceased referee as someone who was “clearly devoted to football and unfortunately died [after] a freak accident officiating a sport he clearly loved.”
Boston and District Saturday Football League, for its part, called Grant a “long-established and respected” referee.
Prior to his death, Grant officiated up to three games a week “always with a smile on his face,” the Lincolnshire Football Association said in a statement.
“Football in Lincolnshire has lost a much-respected referee in the process of doing what he loved. The whole football family sends our heartfelt condolences to his wife, daughter, grandson and his many friends,” the organization said in a statement.
Tributes for Grant were also posted on social media following news of his death.
“RIP Mick. Fantastic ref with a great sense of humor. Thinking of all his family and friends at this difficult time,” one person said.
“I watched Mick referee a number of times over the years. Thinking of his family at this sad time,” another one wrote.
A minute of silence will be held prior to league and cups game this coming Saturday.
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