West Brom vs Middlesbrough suspended as assistant referee is stretchered off in worrying scenes
WEST BROM’S clash with Middlesbrough was suspended for eight minutes as referee Rob Smith was taken away on a stretcher.
The official received medical attention seven minutes into the game after sitting down on the pitch.
RexReferee Rob Smith was taken away on a stretcher[/caption]
Staff from both clubs tended to him, before he left via the nearest tunnel which leads not to the dressing rooms but outside the ground where the ambulances are usually on standby.
SunSport understands an ambulance was waiting for Smith to take him away.
The fourth official, believed to be Premier League referee Eddie Smart, took over as his replacement.
A man from the stands came down to assume the role of fourth official.
After the match resumed, a statement from West Brom read: “The game is back underway.
“Our best wishes are with assistant referee Rob Smith, who cannot continue after receiving medical treatment.”
Middlesbrough also released a statement sending their best wishes to Smith.
The game was goalless at the time of the stoppage.
West Brom came into the clash at the top of the Championship table with five wins, one draw and one defeat from their opening seven games.
Boro sat mid-table with 11 points from eight matches under Michael Carrick.
