Stroke during exercise |
French top referee (42) died
Mourning in French football.
The top referee Johan Hamel (42) died unexpectedly. This was announced by the union of elite football referees (SAFE) in France on Wednesday morning.
A report in the French sports newspaper “ The teamAccording to Hamel, he suffered a stroke while training and died as a result.
Hamel most recently directed a Ligue 1 game on November 6th. Overall, he was in the current season in eight first division games as a referee on the pitch. In his career, he oversaw 135 matches in France’s top flight and 85 more in Ligue 2.
The union wrote on Twitter: “The jury is in mourning. We have learned that our colleague and friend, Ligue 1 referee Johan Hamel, has passed away at the age of 42. SAFE and the referees extend their deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and friends. Johan, we will miss you.”
Following the news of his death, many top French clubs expressed their condolences. Toulouse FC tweeted: “The club sends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Johan Hamel following this terrible news. Our thoughts are with French football and the referees.”
Olympique Lyon also reacted dismayed to the news: “It is with great sadness that we have just learned of the death of Johan Hamel. Olympique Lyonnais sends its deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and the entire French Referee Association.”
