Fourth official Kevin Friend hospitalised after passing out at Bournemouth

01 March 2016 23:23

Fourth official Kevin Friend suffered a bloodied nose when collapsing and banging his face on the Vitality Stadium dugout, according to Southampton boss Ronald Koeman.

Koeman believes Friend briefly lost consciousness in the incident at the tail-end of the first half of Bournemouth's 2-0 Barclays Premier League win over Saints on Tuesday night.

Friend was treated on the side of the pitch before being rushed to hospital, with non-league referee Dean Treleaven - a spectator in the crowd - pressed into service as a replacement fourth official.

"I was on the bench and he came to us and he fell against the dugout, with his nose, and then fell to the ground," Koeman said.

"I don't know his situation now, but he for maybe five seconds he was out of everything."

Steve Cook and Benik Afobe scored the goals as Bournemouth claimed their first home win over Southampton in the league since 1958.

The start of the second half was delayed by five minutes while Friend was treated and then taken to hospital for further attention.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe offered his best wishes to the official for a speedy recovery.

"I just saw him collapse near us," the 38-year-old said. "I didn't see him before it. I just saw him dazed afterwards.

"Medical people from both sides looked after him.

"We obviously wish him well, but I'm not entirely sure what went on."

Source: PA