LONDON • Fourth official Kevin Friend was taken to hospital after suffering a bloodied nose when he fell and banged his face on the dug-out at the Vitality Stadium during Bournemouth's 2-0 win over Southampton on Tuesday.

He collapsed in the closing seconds of the first half, prompting referee Mike Dean to blow for half-time. Friend, 44, was treated on the side of the pitch and the start of the second half was delayed by five minutes while his replacement - non-league referee Dean Treleaven, a spectator in the crowd who was pressed into action - got ready.

Friend was taken to hospital, where he stayed overnight for observations as a precaution.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman said he believed Friend briefly lost consciousness in the incident at the tail end of the first half.

"I was on the bench and he came to us and he fell against the dug-out, with his nose, and then fell to the ground," the Dutchman said. "I don't know his situation now, but for maybe five seconds he was out of everything."

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe offered his best wishes to the official for a speedy recovery.

The 38-year-old said: "I didn't see him before it. I just saw him dazed afterwards."

Steve Cook and Benik Afobe scored as Bournemouth beat Southampton in the league for the first time since 1958.

THE GUARDIAN