Sleaford: Referee Michael Grant dies after being hit by football

Tributes person been paid to a respected referee who died aft being struck by a football.

Michael Grant had been officiating astatine a younker lucifer connected 19 October astatine Carre's Grammar School successful Sleaford erstwhile helium was struck by a "stray ball", Boston and District Saturday Football League said.

The grandfather-of one, from Ruskington, suffered a bleed connected the encephalon and died successful infirmary connected Monday.

A minute's soundlessness volition beryllium held anterior to league and cups games connected Saturday.

Mr Grant officiated up to 3 games per week, "always with a grin connected his face", Lincolnshire Football Association said.

In a statement, the relation said: "Football successful Lincolnshire has mislaid a much-respected referee successful the process of doing what helium loved.

"The full shot household sends our heartfelt condolences to his wife, daughter, grandson and his galore friends."

Boston and District Saturday Football League described Mr Grant arsenic a "long-established and respected" referee.