EFL release update on linesman taken to hospital after medical incident during West Brom clash

Championship assistant referee Rob Smith was stretchered off and taken to hospital after becoming sick in the first minutes of West Bromwich Albion’s match against Middlesbrough.

Rob Smith, an English Football League linesman, has been freed from hospital after being carried off on a stretcher during West Bromwich Albion’s match against Middlesbrough.

Smith was an assistant referee at the Hawthorns when the Baggies fell 1-0 to Michael Carrick’s team, although he was unable to finish the game due to illness. The medical incident occurred during the first half of the match and resulted in an eight-minute delay as the official got medical assistance after sitting down on the pitch.

Medics from both sides responded to Smith before he was helped onto a stretcher and eventually replaced by fourth official Jacob Miles for the rest of the Championship game. Premier League assistant referee Eddie Smart, who was in attendance as a fan, is alleged to have taken Miles’ place.

Smith was released from Manor Hospital in Walsall after being tested. He is currently healing at home.

The EFL stated that “Assistant referee Rob Smith has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home after becoming ill during the first half of the West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough match on Tuesday.” We would want to thank everyone engaged in Rob’s care and wish him the best.”

The Professional Game Match Officials (PGMOL) also extended gratitude to those engaged. They stated: “We are glad to inform you that assistant referee Rob Smith has been discharged from the hospital and is recovering at home.

“Rob underwent testing after becoming sick during the first half of the Sky Bet Championship match between West Brom and Middlesbrough on Tuesday evening. We’d like to thank both teams, the paramedics at the Hawthorns, and the nurses at Manor Hospital in Walsall for their care of Rob.”

Hayden Hackney’s goal in Tuesday’s meeting caused West Brom to surrender top place. The 22-year-old midfielder made the difference after 73 minutes of a goalless first half.

Sunderland regained first position in the Championship with a victory over Derby County thanks to Jobe Bellingham and Wilson Isidor, while Burnley surpassed Carlos Corberan’s club with a narrow victory against Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle thanks to Josh Brownhill’s penalty kick.