West Brom vs Middlesbrough suspended as assistant referee is stretchered off and rushed to hospital in worrying scenes

WEST BROM’S clash with Middlesbrough was suspended for eight minutes as referee Rob Smith was taken away on a stretcher and rushed to hospital.

The official received medical attention seven minutes into the game after sitting down on the pitch.

RexReferee Rob Smith was taken away on a stretcher[/caption]

Staff from both clubs tended to him, before he left via the nearest tunnel which leads not to the dressing rooms but outside the ground where the ambulances are usually on standby.

Smith was put into an ambulance and taken to hospital.

The fourth official, believed to be Premier League referee Eddie Smart, took over as his replacement.

A man from the stands came down to assume the role of fourth official.

After the match resumed, a statement from West Brom read: “The game is back underway.

“Our best wishes are with assistant referee Rob Smith, who cannot continue after receiving medical treatment.”

Middlesbrough also released a statement sending their best wishes to Smith – who went off when the game was goalless.

It came before West Brom paid tribute to supporter Mark Townsend who lost his life after a medical emergency at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

There was a minute’s applause in memory of the 57-year-old Albion season ticket holder.

West Brom came into the clash at the top of the Championship table with five wins, one draw and one defeat from their opening seven games.

Boro sat mid-table with 11 points from eight matches under Michael Carrick.

GettyWest Brom placed fan Mark Townsend’s shirt over his seat after he tragically lost his life[/caption]

GettyTownsend passed away after a medical emergency at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday[/caption]