Referee David Webb’s Premier League debut lasted just 22 minutes as he was forced to leave the field during the first half of the clash between Leicester City and Southampton at King Power Stadium.
Webb was inadvertently struck in the side of the head by Leicester forward Jordan Ayew as he ran past him and Webb slumped to the ground.
Concerned players rushed to Webb and Leicester forward Jamie Vardy grabbed the official’s hand and blew his whistle to stop the game.
Medical staff from both clubs came on to treat Webb and a stretcher was readied, but he was able to recover enough to walk off the pitch.
After a lengthy delay of 11 minutes and 55 seconds, fourth official Sam Barrott took Webb’s place and Phil Sharp, the officials’ coach, took over fourth official duties.
Webb has been a referee since the age of 20 and has officiated in the English Football League since 2008. He refereed over 500 matches and has twice acted as a fourth official in the Premier League this season, but Saturday’s match was his first taking charge of an English top-flight match.
Before the injury-enforced delay, Vardy had earlier put the hosts in front with Leicester’s first home league goal since December 8.
(Photo: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)