A LEAGUE Two referee had to be taken off the pitch on a stretcher after being hit in the head by the ball.
The clash between Swindon and Grimsby saw referee Sam Purkiss struck in the head in the 11th minute.
Players rushed to help the ref after he fell to the groundRex
Sam Purkiss was taken off on a stretcher after being hit in the head by the ballRex
Purkiss received treatment on the pitch following the incident.
He was eventually taken off the field in the 17th minute to a round of applause from fans.
The match then resumed in the 20th minute.
This was due to Purkiss being replaced with fourth official Gareth Viccars.
However, he has already had some big calls to make, after sending off Danny Amos.
But before this Charlie Austin had put the hosts in the lead with a close-ranged header in the 25th minute.
According to The Athletic, Purkiss is said to be groggy and dazed after the ordeal but is sat up and talking in the medical room.
Swindon are chasing a promotion spot, and as it stands sit in sixth place.
Meanwhile, Grimsby are sitting down in 16th.