TRIBUTES have been paid to a football club director who died after he collapsed during a match.

Paramedics were called to a Durham Challenge Cup tie between Seaham Red Star and Shildon AFC after John Hay, 69, collapsed in the stands.

Mr Hay, a Shildon director, fell ill 20 minutes into the match at Seaham Town Park last night (Wednesday, January 30).

He was treated by staff from both clubs, including Shildon physio Dean Walker, as players left the pitch. The referee abandoned the match.

A North East Ambulance Service crew arrived and treated Mr Hay, who had undergone a heart by-pass, before taking him to Sunderland Royal Infirmary, where he died.

Gareth Howe, Shildon’s treasurer and secretary, said: “He was a close friend of mine and a club director for nine years whose death came as a great shock.

“Everyone at the club is gobsmacked and his family are absolutely devastated.

“His legs were amputated but he was very stubborn and despite having artificial legs he never let it stop him and he kept on supporting Shildon.”

Shildon will hold a minute’s silence before its next home match and is to arrange a further memorial to Mr Hay.

Brian Burn, Shildon’s chairman, said: “We extend our deepest condolences to his partner Sue Charlton and his family."

Shildon play at Newcastle Benfield, in the Ebac Northern League, on Saturday and the cancelled Seaham game is scheduled for next week. There are no plans to postpone either match.

Mike Amos, chairman of the Northern League, said: “He was a remarkably courageous bloke.

“He fought back from a double amputation and was indomitable. He was back supporting Shildon in his wheelchair just three weeks after his amputation.

“I think John will want Shildon to play on and I think he will be watching them.”

Kevin Turns, secretary and treasurer of Seaham Red Star, said: “The deepest sympathies of everyone at the club are with Mr Hay’s family and with everyone connected with Shildon.”

Seaham Red Star are to donate the takings from the Shildon match, minus the officials' costs, to a charity chosen by Mr Hay’s family.

The funeral arrangements have still be decided on.