French referee dies aged 42 after suffering stroke in training

Johan Hamel tragically died on Wednesday

A French referee has tragically died after suffering a stroke during training on Tuesday. Johan Hamel, 42, had officiated over 130 games in the French top flight and made his debut as a Champions League fourth official in Celtic's defeat to Real Madrid a fortnight ago. Hamel's final game as a referee was on November 6 as he was the man in the middle for Lille's Ligue 1 clash against Rennes before acting as a fourth official for Paris-Saint Germain's win against Auxerre on November 13. The shock news of his passing comes after he suffered a stroke while undergoing routine exercises in training. With more than 300 professional games as a referee he has been one of France's elite referees since 2016 and has more than a decade of experience since going full-time in 2011.

His rise up the ranks saw him officiate his first international games last season. Hamel was the fourth official for Lithuania's heavy defeat to Northern Ireland and has also worked on UEFA Nations League games this campaign. A statement from the Union of Elite Football Referees (SAFE) said: "Arbitration is in mourning. We learn of the death of our Colleague and Friend, Johan Hamel, Ligue 1 referee, at the age of 42. "To his Family, Relatives and Friends, the SAFE and the Arbitrators send their deepest condolences. Johan, we will miss you." Related links: