AFL North East Border central umpire Mark Sayers was flown to Melbourne after suffering a heart attack during Saturday’s clash between Beechworth and Wahgunyah at Beechworth.
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Sayers took charge of the first half of the Tallangatta and District League senior match before collapsing in the change rooms during the half-time break.
The former North Wangaratta and Glenrowan player was initially taken to Beechworth hospital where the decision was made to fly him to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne to monitor his condition.
The half-time interval was extended by about 30 minutes with rookie umpire Scott Clayton taking charge of the rest of the match by himself.
Beechworth coach Brenton Surrey said the incident came as a huge shock.
“We were lucky enough to have good medics and a doctor at the ground,” Surrey said.
“Those people weren’t with the club last year.
“It came as a big shock to everyone as we were just in the rooms getting ready for the second half.”
