The family is grateful after a defibrillator saved assistant referee Martin Weedon’s life

Mr Weedon was later transferred from VPK Stadium to Kettering General Hospital, less than five miles away, for further treatment.

“Mitchell Swain is our captain[ain] “Our physiotherapist Alan Dunphy brought him back to life through resuscitation,” Bilston manager Aaron Lincoln posted on X.

“Everything else doesn’t matter. I wanted to be proud of our performance today but I couldn’t be prouder of these two players.”

Desborough used his Facebook page to offer a “huge thank you” to Swain, Dunphy and their physiotherapist Carl Mallett for the quick reaction.

“It was a huge shock to everyone and certainly highlighted the importance of having a defibrillator at the club,” Desborough’s post read. “Mitchell calmly took control of the situation and undoubtedly saved the official’s life.

“Everyone at Desborough Town FC wishes Martin a speedy recovery.”

The referee, who lives in Rothwell, Northants, had been a match referee for more than 40 years, according to the family, who described him as “fit and active”.

However, hospital tests showed that the arteries on the right side of his heart were blocked.

His condition was described as stable on Sunday, and the hospital is now considering, according to Mr Hobbs, whether fitting an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is the best course of treatment.

A number of famous footballers have had ICDs fitted after similar incidents on the pitch.

They include former Manchester United, Tottenham and Brentford midfielder Christian Eriksen, Wales defender Tom Lockyer, who now plays for Bristol Rovers, and Watford midfielder Eduardo Bove, who was just 23 when he collapsed during a match in Italy in 2024.

“As Martin’s daughter, I would like to thank those who helped him on Saturday from the bottom of my heart,” Emma Davis said on Facebook. “Your quick thinking has helped a very special man who has given so much to football over the years.

“He is now where he should be, being looked after and we hope he will return to the football he loves very soon.”