Referee tragically dies during youth match as club release emotional statement

A referee has died in hospital hours after falling ill during Feyenoord's youth match against Utrecht

A Dutch referee has passed away after falling ill during an under-13s match. Paul Ramdayal passed away in hospital on Saturday after becoming unwell during Feyenoord's youth match against FC Utrecht.

The Eredivisie club confirmed the tragic news on this evening (October 3), mourning the loss of a regular official at their Varkenoord training complex. Feyenoord have posted that they will remain in contact with the family of the official and provide support to them where needed.

In a statement, the club wrote: "Feyenoord has learned with sadness of the passing of Paul Ramdayal. Earlier today, he became unwell in his role as referee during the Feyenoord U13 - FC Utrecht U13 match.

"To the club's sorrow, he passed away later today in the hospital. Ramdayal was a familiar face at Varkenoord as a referee. He regularly officiated Feyenoord youth matches.

"The club wishes Ramdayal's family and loved ones, with whom Feyenoord has had and will continue to maintain extensive contact, much strength in coping with this loss."

Tributes and comments poured in for the official, one of the comments of an article releasing the news from 1908.nl read: "Paul, what you have done for the Feyenoord youth will not be forgotten. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."

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Another user said: "Sad news. First and foremost for the man and his loved ones, but I imagine it must be a traumatic experience for the players and others present as well.

"I assume there will be a tribute to Paul Ramdayal at all upcoming home matches. Because volunteers like him are the heart / the engine of every club. "

With the Dutch top-flight on hold for the international break, Feyenoord gave their academy fixtures big billing, including Utrecht's visit to Rotterdam.

A video posted to X showed the youngsters warming up before the match on a sunny day at Varkenoord.

It remains unclear whether the match was played or if the incident involving the referee saw the game abandoned, nor how the club will pay further tribute in the future.

The tragic passing of Ramdayal comes on the first day of the KNVB's (Dutch FA) Referee Week, which runs until October 11, putting the officials in the spotlight to celebrate the unsung heroes in football.

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