Phil O’Donnell dies during SPL match
By: Ian Rose | December 29th, 2007It’s been a tragic year in football. Sevilla fans watched in horror as Antonio Puerta fell to the ground and died. Lazio supporter Gabriele Sandri was killed needlessly in Italy. Eight died in the stadium collapse in Brazil. And now, I’m sad to report that the year will end on a tragic note in the SPL, as Motherwell captain Phil O’Donnell died today near the end of Well’s victory over Dundee United.
O’Donnell was only 35, and the midfielder seemed in good health. We are still waiting for more details from Motherwell, but it seems that he collapsed just before being substituted out from an apparent seizure. He was treated for five minutes on the pitch before being taken to an ambulance. I’ll pass along any details when I get them myself.
Like everyone in Scottish football, I had a lot of respect for O’Donnell as a player. Especially with today’s win, he looked like he may just captain Motherwell to a European spot over much better-funded teams like Aberdeen and Hibs. To be honest, I know little about him outside of football, and I’ll have more to write later. Right now, I’m in shock, like everyone else, I’d imagine. All condolences to Phil’s family, including his nephew and teammate David Clarkson, who was on the pitch with Phil when he died. I can’t imagine losing a teammate, a captain, and a relative all in one. Phil was also married with children, and a large extended family is probably still being informed.
There will be time to get into the details of how Phil died, of why he died, and examine whether anything more could be done, whether this is just another sign of a bigger problem of undiagnosed health problems leading to deaths on the pitch. For now, all we can do is celebrate Phil the player and the man, who should have been remembered this year for his accomplishments on the pitch, but now will be remembered as another footballer tragically lost before his time.
Category: Scottish Premier League
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Not again….my condolences to his family and all Motherwell fans…
I hear Clarkson had to be subbed off because he was too upset to continue. Must be especially awful for him.
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RIP O’Donnell.
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It’s a real shame to hear this. Growing up, my first Celtic memories that I can currently remember were with the O’Donnell lead Celtic teams of the mid to late 90s, especially the league winning 98 team. Even if he wasn’t a former Celtic player, it is alarming to hear about these young seemingly fit men meeting their end all too early.
YNWA Phil
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I cannot believe his nephew was on the pitch with him — as if such a thing could possibly get more tragic.
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my heart goes out to the family and his team mates.true legend in scottish football..YNWA PHIL C.F.C
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CELTIC WILL BEAT RANGERS IN MEMORY OF PHIL O’D
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It´s a real pity. We in Spain felt terribly shocked when Puerta died. Now it´s another tragedy hitting us all. Unluckily, the only request for dying is being alive. My support to all SPL fans and especially his family. RIP mr.O´Donnell!!
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RIP Phil O’Donnell
Antonio Puerta, Miklos Feher and Marc-Vivien Foe all died of heart failure while playing.
RIP
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i was shocked to hear of this tragedy.Phil was a good professional and great captain of well.All our thoughts are with his family.From a Rangers fan.
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How awful
But not very surprising. Players these days are pushed to play longer and more intensive hours and don’t always get adequate rest or care, often returning from injury earlier than they should. My heart goes out to Phil’s family.
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A tragedy for all connected to Motherwell F.C. and scottish football. But especially Phils family and friends. My thoughts go out to them tonight.
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Phil was a legend to our team, im sad for his wife, kids and all of his family ,its such a terrible loss , phil will live on in the hearts of me and all the motherwell fans.
R.i.p “Uncle Phil”Posted from
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It’s a very sad day & so shocking that this could happen to someone so young. I’m sure his family will receive all the comfort & support from Motherwell and from staff & fans of all clubs in scotland. This certainly puts the football rivalry & divisions into perspective. R.I.P Phil.
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This really has been a tragic year for football. Let us all hope for a safe new year. May O’Donnell rest in peace.
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When you walk through a storm
hold your head up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark.
At the end of a storm is a golden skyAnd the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Tho’ your dreams be tossed and blown.Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone,
You’ll never, ever walk alone.
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heartAnd you’ll never walk alone,
You’ll never, ever walk alone.rest in peace phil, deepest sympathy to all his family and all that knew him.
hail hailPosted from
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I’m a scouser and a Toffee, but my deepest respect and sympathy goes to his family and friends. Nobody who has a talent like Phil should pass away so young… Also sympathy as well for the crowd who witnessed this terrible incident.
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HAIL HAIL Phil gone but not forgotten R.I.P you will never, ever walk alone
Posted from
United Kingdom
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