Referee Sam Purkiss was taken off on a stretcher in the early exchanges of the League Two encounter between Swindon Town and Grimsby Town. He got struck in the face by the ball and he had to be taken off the field of play.
Swindon Town thumped Grimsby Town 5-0 in the matchday 27 League Two clash. As well as Swindon's victory, what happened to the referee also made the headlines.
Sam Purkiss was the referee, but his game ended prematurely after being struck in the face by the ball with just 12 minutes on the clock.
A Swindon Town player came out to clear a Grimsby attack and the ball ended up striking the referee in the face. The official was shaken by the blow and the players quickly called for medical attention.
The referee had to go off the field of play on a stretcher while fans gave him a round of applause. 'The Athletic' reports that Purkiss felt better after getting treatment and even spoken to the people there.