A FOOTBALLER who collapsed from a suspected heart attack during a Brighouse Town match last night has died.

Shaw Lane defender Daniel Wilkinson collapsed on the pitch an hour into the Evo-Stik League Doodson Sports League Cup preliminary round game.

He was treated by medical personnel for 30 minutes before being taken by ambulance to Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax.

Dave Parker, an honorary life member at Brighouse Town, saw Mr Wilkinson collapse.

He said it happened just inside the penalty box as the central defender was re-assuming his position.

"I saw him go down," said Mr Parker. "He went down with no other players around him. I shouted to others to get him on his side.

"We got the defibrillator on within one minute. Our manager was doing CPR, and a nurse out of the crowd came to help.

"Then the ambulance came straight onto the pitch. He did go to the hospital alive."

He added: "Everybody is absolutely shattered by this. The players were distraught."

Shaw Lane chairman Craig Wood released a statement on the club's Facebook account today.

He said: "It's with great sadness that we have to announce the tragic loss of Daniel Wilkinson who has sadly passed away after collapsing on the pitch during the game last night, our thoughts and prayers are with him family and friends at this time.
"The club would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt messages and thoughts that we have received throughout the night. There are no more words at this time."

Brighouse released a club statement today entitled 'Footballing Friend - RIP'.

It said: "Officials, management, players and supporters wish to pass on sincerest sympathy and best wishes to the family and friends of Daniel at the loss of such a talented and committed footballer.

"Words are not enough to capture the complete sense of despair and desolation that surrounds the club this morning following last night’s tragic event.

"Our thoughts and support also go out to our footballing friends at Shaw Lane and huge thanks also must be paid to the volunteers and emergency response teams who tried valiantly to save Dan’s life.

"Rest in peace young man – the world is a poorer place without you."  

Referee Jonathan Bickerdike abandoned the game and players and officials from both clubs were distraught.

The visitors were 2-0 up at the time but, under the harrowing circumstances, it will be replayed.

Mr Parker said Brighouse manager Paul Quinn would meet with his players tomorrow to see whether or not to go ahead with Saturday's home game with Colne.

Tributes have also appeared on social media website Twitter this morning.

A tweet from the Kidsgrove Athletic account said: "Our sincere condolences to the family of Daniel Wilkinson and everyone at Shaw Lane. No words will ever be enough for your loss. RIP Dan."