Referee fit to drive home despite health scare

There were concerns for the wellbeing of the match referee at Maidstone United’s Ryman League Division One South game with Leatherhead at Bourne Park today.

Referee Mr Ashley Slaughter was taken to hospital today via ambulance after coming back to the dressing room at half-time with the symptoms of a “potentially serious medical condition”.

Stones secretary, Mr Darren Lovell explained to the fans forum at www.smtwtgh.co.uk what happened during the half-time interval in a game that the Stones won 4-2 .

He said: “At only 21 years of age, he was not surprisingly, rather worried and was feeling pretty bad.

“I’m glad to be able to say that I collected Ashley from Medway Maritime Hospital A& E at about 6:45pm after he was released following a serious of examinations and blood tests.

“Ashley was fit enough to drive home to Brighton this evening but I think he may not be fit enough to take charge of his next game, Croydon Athletic v Godalming Town.

“Ashley would like to thank our match day stewards for their excellent attention and help. He would also like to thank Mal Watkins for his first aid assistance and care during what was a panicky period of time for him.

“Also thanks to Barry Fenn who stepped into Tim Hatt’s shoes as an emergency assistant referee and did pretty well in the circumstances.”

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