Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell has died after collapsing towards the end of his side's Scottish Premier League game against Dundee United.

The 35-year-old midfielder fell to the ground just as he was about to be replaced with Marc Fitzpatrick near the end of Motherwell's 5-3 victory.

O'Donnell was treated for around five minutes on the field before being taken to a waiting ambulance.

But his death was later confirmed by Well chairman Bill Dickie.

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee had spoken briefly to the press after the game before going to hospital to find out how the skipper was.


We took Clarkson off because he got a fright from the nature of the collapse

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee

"He's had some sort of collapse," he said.

McGhee said O'Donnell's substitution had been "an absolute coincidence" before his sudden collapse.

"We just felt we would save him a bit for Wednesday," said the manager.

O'Donnell's nephew, David Clarkson, was substituted moments later after scoring two goals in the Scottish Premier League match.

McGhee said: "We took Clarkson off because he got a fright from the nature of the collapse.

Yet another of these tragedies.

It's all so sad

wonder what his nephew was thinking .. musta been really sad .. shocking tragedy!

I wonder what did it? They need to be doing regular testing and check ups on players...make sure they're safe to play, this has happened alot lately. RIP.

SSN said today it was a seizure. My sympathy goes to his family. A loyal player who always gave his all. He will be sorely missed. R.I.P.

well put .. i still cant stop thinking about it .. been thinking none stop all day .. and i didnt even know him

3 matches called off. Hibs v Motherwell and Gretna v St Mirren (because they play at Motherwell's ground) on Wednesday. The family have also requested that Motherwell v Celtic on 6th is postponed too and both clubs have agreed. As someone said on another forum, if they can call off the SPL for Diana dying, I think all fixtures should be called off this week. He has alot of friends throughout Scottish football, both players & managers, and I'm sure alot of them are grieving

what makes it worse is its around christmas time too

As a die-hard United supporter i saw the scores coming through on skysports and i was obviously [beep!] of and i actually said "i hope they all die", i felt really aweful when i heard a player had died, i feel really bad for his wife and 4 kids aswell, and i agree with you CFCBhoy, all games should be called off.

Nice gesture. Barry Ferguson & Steven McManUs both wore special captains armbands in their recent games. Had the Motherwell crest and no.10 on it

Both good gestures.

Celtic and Motherwell have confirmed they will play a fund-raising tribute match for the late Phil O'Donnell at the end of the season.

O'Donnell died of heart failure at the age of 35 after collapsing in Motherwell's match against Dundee United at Fir Park on 29th December and a tribute match has been arranged for 25th May at Celtic Park.

Members of Celtic's 1998 league-winning side will take on members of Motherwell's 1991 Scottish Cup-winning side, with O'Donnell having played in both teams.

Proceeds from the game will go towards the Phil O'Donnell Trust and a range of other charitable organisations.

Fitting tribute

Celtic's chief executive Peter Lawwell told Motherwell's official website: "We are delighted to be hosting this match at Celtic Park, an event which we feel will be a fitting tribute to Phil, a man who was loved and respected by so many.

"The tragic events of December are still very fresh in the memory and we felt it was very important that an appropriate gesture was made, to honour the life of Phil.

"Both ourselves and Motherwell will be working closely to ensure that this event is a great success.

"We will also ensure that Phil's wife Eileen and family will be closely involved.

"We are sure the occasion will be one where the whole of Scottish football will pay their respects to Phil and celebrate the life of such a great man."

Iconic

Motherwell's chief executive, Ian Stillie, added: "We felt this is one of the most appropriate ways in which to remember and honour Phil.

"The match will involve players who knew Phil personally and will clearly be an emotional occasion.

"It will also be an opportunity for supporters of any team to pay their respects to a man who was taken so young in such tragic circumstances.

"Everyone at Motherwell was deeply affected by Phil's death, and are proud to unite with Celtic and football fans everywhere to celebrate the life of such an iconic player."

Nice thought.

Yes a nice touch to such a tragic episode.

A night with Tam Cowan - In memory of Phil O'Donnell

Tam Cowan was in touch with D4L this week to tell us about an event he is doing in memory of Phil O’Donnell.

Tam tells us the event will be similar to the one he did free of charge for D4L at the Caird Hall and invites all Dees to attend. We are delighted to take up his offer and will be attending as well as providing a raffle prize. Tam has been a fantastic help to D4L over recent years.

The event is at Motherwell Concert Hall on 10/4/08.