- Jacob Miles, who was the fourth official, replaced Rob Smith as the linesman
- Eddie Smart, a member of the crowd, stood in as fourth official after the swap
- Comes after Baggies fan Mark Townsend died aged 57 in the stands on Saturday
Assistant referee Rob Smith has been rushed to hospital after being stretchered off during West Brom’s clash with Middlesbrough in the Championship.
The incident happened in the early exchanges of the match which saw the league’s third-placed side host Boro who lie in eighth.
Medics immediately ran towards the linesman, who appeared to faint on the touchline, as the Hawthorns descended into a worried hush.
Play resumed around eight minutes later with Jacob Miles, who was the fourth official, wired up and readied to take on the duties of the assistant referee.
Assistant referee Rob Smith has been rushed to hospital after being stretchered off during West Brom’s clash with Middlesbrough in the Championship
Play resumed around eight minutes later with Jacob Miles, who was the fourth official, wired up and readied to take on the duties of the assistant referee
The Hawthorns descended into a concerned hush as medics attended to Smith
It later emerged Eddie Smart, a member of the home crowd, stood in as fourth official.
Hayden Hackney’s 73rd-minute strike from the edge of the box saw the away side take all three points.
West Brom’s official X account confirmed the incident shortly after it occurred, posting: ‘There’s a stoppage in play as one of the referee’s assistants receives treatment.’
The medical emergency comes after a Baggies supporter died during Saturday’s match against Sheffield Wednesday.
The club paid tribute to Mark Townsend, who passed away aged 57, before Tuesday night’s match with head coach Carlos Corberan paying tribute to the fan ahead of the game.
He said: ‘Unfortunately we received the very bad news after the previous game.
‘From this moment, he and his family have been in our thoughts all the time.
A goal from Hayden Hackney from the edge of the box saw the away side take all three points
The medical emergency comes after Baggies supporter Mark Townsend died during Saturday’s match against Sheffield Wednesday. The club paid tribute to him on Tuesday night
Head coach Carlos Corberan paid tribute to the fan ahead of the game versus Middlesborough
‘We are going to try and dedicate this game for him because it’s very painful to have lost him.’
A West Brom spokesperson said: ‘The club is in regular contact with the supporter’s family and again asks that they are allowed to mourn their loss privately.
‘Albion will work with Sheffield Wednesday, the EFL and all relevant parties to establish the circumstances relating to the supporter’s tragic passing.’
