Skip to content

Monday Night Football clash between Burnley and Newcastle delayed by medical emergency

Referee's assessor Eddie Wolstenholme collapsed in the players' tunnel and was taken to hospital conscious

Burnley vs Newcastle - kick-off delayed sign at Turf Moor

Burnley's Monday Night Football clash with Newcastle was delayed by 30 minutes after the referee's assessor was taken ill in the Turf Moor tunnel.

Eddie Wolstenholme collapsed in the players' tunnel and was taken to hospital conscious.

Referee Anthony Taylor informed both managers prior to kick-off of the medical emergency and the Premier League decided to delay kick-off until 8.30pm.

Referee Eddie Wolstenholme shows a red card to David Unsworth of Everton after a fight with Jesper Gronkjaer of Chelsea during the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Everton and Chelsea held on December 7, 2002
Image: Eddie Wolstenholme refereeing a match between Everton and Chelsea in 2002

Wolstenholme was formerly a Premier League referee who retired from officiating in 2003.

Assessors' reports play a part in deciding the allocation of referees for games, while providing match officials with feedback on their performance.

Newcastle went on to win the match 2-1 thanks to a Ben Mee own goal and Ciaran Clark header inside the opening 23 minutes, with Sam Vokes replying for Burnley before the break.

Around Sky