Xuenou > Featured > Referee who was on duty during Celtic’s defeat by Real Madrid dies suddenly aged 42
Referee who was on duty during Celtic’s defeat by Real Madrid dies suddenly aged 42
Referee who was on duty during Celtic's defeat by Real Madrid dies suddenly aged 42,A French referee Johan Hamel, who officiated during Celtic's loss to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month in the Champions League, has tragically passed away after having a stroke

Referee who was on duty during Celtic’s defeat by Real Madrid dies suddenly aged 42

A French referee Johan Hamel has tragically passed away after having a stroke.

Hamel, who was on duty as the fourth official during Celtic’s 5-1 loss to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on November 2, was just 42 when he passed away.

On Sunday, he had also been on VAR duty for Paris Saint-Germain's win over Auxerre at the Parc des Princes.

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The official was one of France’s best referees and presided over 135 league games in the elite division and 85 games in the one below.

He reportedly suffered a stroke during routine training exercises on Tuesday evening, with the Union of Elite Football Referees (SAFE) announcing the sad news on Wednesday.

SAINT-ETIENNE, FRANCE - MAY 09: Referee Johan Hamel gestures during the Ligue 1 match between AS Saint-Etienne and Olympique Marseille at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on May 9, 2021 in Saint-Etienne, France. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Tributes have been paid for Johan Hamel (Image: 2021 Eurasia Sport Images)

A statement from SAFE read: "Arbitration is in mourning. We learn of the death of our Colleague and Friend, Johan Hamel, Ligue 1 referee, at the age of 42.

"To his Family, Relatives and Friends, the SAFE and the Arbitrators send their deepest condolences. Johan, we will miss you."

Montpellier tweeted: "A big thought to the family of Johan Hamel, Montpellier HSC sends its most sincere condolences to his family, his friends, his relatives, as well as to the entire refereeing community."

Lille tweeted: “LOSC learned with horror of the disappearance of Johan Hamel. The Club and its President join the French football family by sending him all their thoughts and by expressing their sincere condolences to the relatives of the French referee.”

French referee Johan Hamel walks during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and FC Metz at the "Louis II" stadium in Monaco, on April 3, 2021. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Ligue 1 is in mourning today following the news

Former Stade de Reims player Brahim Thiam posted: “By this message I send all my condolences to the family of Mr Hamel who has just left suddenly at 42 years old, a passionate man and referee. May he rest in peace.”

French referee Remi Serpaud wrote: “What a tragedy…I just learned some shocking news: Johan #HAMEL , league 1 referee, left last night following a massive stroke after training. He was only 42 years old. The world of arbitration is in mourning. He joins Sébastien Desiage up there…”

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