A “much-respected” referee who was injured in a “freak accident” during a school match has died in hospital.
Lincolnshire Football Association said Michael Grant, from Ruskington, had been officiating a school fixture when he “suffered a serious head injury”.
Mr Grant – known as Mick by the football community – was hurt on 19 October. He died “peacefully” in hospital on Monday.
In a statement, Lincolnshire FA said its “thoughts at this sad time” were with Mr Grant’s “family and friends”.
It added: “Mick was refereeing a school game last Wednesday when he suffered a serious head injury in a freak accident.
“A genial man, he regularly officiated two to three games a week, always with a smile on his face.
“Football in Lincolnshire has lost a much respected referee in the process of doing what he loved and the whole football family sends our heartfelt condolences to his wife, daughter, grandson and his many friends.”
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Boston and District Saturday Football League said the official was injured during a youth game at Carre’s Grammar School in Sleaford when he was struck by a “stray ball”, according to reports.
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In a post on Twitter, the league said its “thoughts” were with “Mick’s family at this sad time”.
A minute’s silence is expected to be held before this weekend’s football fixtures in the area.
