A Championship match nearly turned tragic. The assistant referee was taken to hospital

A routine English Championship match between West Bromwich and Middlesbrough promised to be so, until it came to a very disturbing incident at the start of the match.

Details: The assistant referee in this match, Rob Smith, felt unwell as early as the seventh minute and collapsed on the turf. The medics who were at the stadium worked quickly and Smith was given emergency treatment. However, the referee still had to be taken to hospital and was replaced on the pitch by fourth umpire Eddie Smart. Smith was discharged from hospital in the morning and is resting at home.

Quote: ‘Assistant referee Rob Smith has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home after being taken ill during the first half of West Bromwich Albion v Middlesbrough on Tuesday. We would like to thank everyone involved in Rob's treatment and wish him a speedy recovery,’ read the EFL statement.

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