French football referee Johan Hamel died on Wednesday after a stroke during practice, according to the Union of Elite Football Referees in France. He was 42. He had been a Ligue 1 referee in France since the 2015-16 season and had officiated in 135 league matches. Hamel officiated the 1-1 draw between Lille and Rennes in the French league on November 6 and was a Referee in the Paris Saint-Germain-Auxerre game on Sunday. PSG won the game 5-0. He has also worked as a referee in the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League. Many clubs, including Lille, Monaco, and PSG, expressed their sorrow on social media.
Johan Hamel Dies Of Stroke:
The Union of Elite Football Referees has revealed that French referee Johan Hamel died at 42. On Tuesday evening, the Ligue 1 official was killed due to a stroke suffered during ordinary training activities, just days after his last engagement in a football match as a professional match official. Hamel took command of his final game in the French top division only ten days ago, on November 6, when Lille drew with Rennes. The Frenchman also blew the whistle during Real Madrid’s 5-1 Champions League victory over Celtic earlier this month. He was recently in the VAR booth on Sunday as a video referee analyst for PSG’s triumph over Auxerre at the Parc des Princes. His terrible demise will shock colleagues, players, and coaches alike, with SAFE stating to pay respect to the official.
Who is Johan Hamel?
Hamel had worked as a referee in France’s top division for almost a decade before making his Champions League debut as the fourth official in Real Madrid’s win against Celtic earlier this month. Hamel, one of France’s most recognized referees, retired after Lille’s 1-1 draw with Rennes on November 6. He also served as the fourth official in PSG’s 5-0 victory over Auxerre at the Parc des Princes. The Ligue de Football Professionnel, which governs the major French football leagues, also expressed their sympathy.
Tributes Paid To Johan Hamel:
Many clubs and French football officials have paid respect to him after his death was announced. “His abrupt disappearance comes as a big shock. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Johan’s family and loved ones on behalf of the professional football community.” In particular, Vincent Labrune, the president of the Professional Football League, stated in a news release. The six French referees picked for the World Cup toasted the memory of their “friend” in Doha, where they are preparing for the tournament. ” We learned of Johan Hamel’s death this morning. Johan was more than just a referee to us; he was a friend. Our thoughts immediately turn to his family and his daughter, who responded in a statement read aloud by one of them, Clément Turpin.
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