French referee Johan Hamel has tragically passed away after suffering from a stroke.
Hamel, a Ligue 1 and Champions League official, was just 42. He took charge of his final match on November 6, as Lille drew with Rennes, while he was also on duty for Real Madrid's thrashing of Celtic at the Santiago Bernabeu on November 2. He had also been the VAR for PSG's win over Auxerre at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.
Hamel had been one of France's elite referees since 2016, taking charge of 135 Ligue 1 matches and 85 Ligue 2 games. He had over 300 professional games under his belt, having been a professional referee since 2011, but suffered a stroke during routine training exercises on Tuesday evening, the Union of Elite Football Referees (SAFE) announced on Wednesday.
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."
French champions PSG led the numerous clubs who paid tribute to Hamel, writing on social media: "Paris Saint-Germain sends all its thoughts to the family and loved ones of Johan Hamel, as well as to all French refereeing."
Lyon added: "We have just learned with immense sadness of the death of Johan Hamel. "Olympique Lyonnais sends its most sincere condolences to his family, his loved ones, as well as to the entire French refereeing corps.
Former France international Florian Thauvin, who previously played for both Marseille and Newcastle United, also paid tribute, saying: "My condolences to the family of Johan Hamel, a very good referee and a great person on and off the pitch. RIP Johan."
The LFP, French football's governing body, has announced that between now and the resumption of the season, tributes will be paid to his memory.
