Linesman carried off at West Brom after game paused due to medical incident

Assistant referee Rob Smith was stretchered off after seeming to feint in the first minutes of West Bromwich Albion’s Championship match against Middlesbrough.

Linesman Rob Smith was carried onto a stretcher following a medical issue during West Brom’s home game against Middlesbrough.

The incident, which occurred during the first half, caused an eight-minute delay as Smith got medical assistance after sitting down on the pitch.

He was treated by medics from both the host team and their guests before being transferred on a stretcher and replaced on the line by fourth official Jacob Miles.

Miles was eventually replaced as fourth official by Premier League referee Eddie Smart, who was among the home crowd as a fan.West Brom acknowledged that the interruption was due to Smith seeking treatment through their official X account. They gave the following update: “There’s a stoppage in play as one of the referee’s assistants receives treatment.”

The action continued after Smith was taken for treatment, with both teams tied at 0-0 at the half.

West Brom paid homage to Mark Townsend, a Baggies supporter who died at the age of 57 following a medical issue during Saturday’s game against Sheffield Wednesday.Following Mr Townsend’s death, a West Brom official stated: “The club is in regular contact with the supporter’s family and once again asks that they be allowed to mourn their loss privately.”

“Albion will work with Sheffield Wednesday, the EFL and all relevant parties to establish the circumstances relating to the supporter’s tragic passing.”

Prior to kickoff on Tuesday night, Baggies head coach Carlos Corberan dedicated the game to Townsend. He told Sky Sports: “Unfortunately, we received some really awful news during the last game. We’ve been thinking about him and his family ever since.

“We are going to try and dedicate this game for him because it’s very painful to have lost him.”