‘Much-loved’ Ruskington referee dies after serious head injury in school game

Michael Grant, known as Mick is said to have passed away peacefully in hospital on Monday, according to Lincolnshire Football Association.

In a post on Facebook yesterday (Tuesday) the Association announced that he had been refereeing a school game when he suffered a serious head injury in what they described as a “freak accident”.

The association states: “Our thoughts at this sad time are with the family and friends.”

He is said to have been struck by a “stray ball” while officiating at the youth match at Carre’s Grammar school on October 19.

They went on: “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 wife, daughter, grandson and his many friends.”

Nick Law, head at Carre’s Grammar School said: “The whole school community is both shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Mr Grant.

“He was well liked by the staff and the boys and was an important part of the sporting life here at Carre’s.

“We will all miss him immensely and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

There have been tributes from a number of local football clubs that he has come into contact with over the years, included Sleaford Town Junior FC, Sleaford United Youth FC, Spalding United and Grimsby Corinthians.

Sleaford United Youth FC commented: “We had Mick as our ref a week last Sunday.

“Mick was a nice fella to talk to before a game, he had some good advice as well as some interesting stories.

“The man was clearly devoted to football.”

A minute's silence will be held prior to league and cup games on Saturday.