Linesman hit by coin recovers

Nov 13 2006 By Steve Johnson, Birmngham Mail

A FOOTBALL match official knocked unconscious by a coin thrown from the crowd in a sickening incident seen by millions works for a Midland council, it was revealed today.

Alan Sheffield, aged 47, is an officer with the waste management division on Walsall Council.

Mr Sheffield, pictured, had to have two stitches in a head wound and was treated on the pitch for several minutes after the incident during the Newport-Swansea FA Cup First Round match on Saturday.

A Walsall Council spokesman said today that Mr Sheffield telephoned his boss last night to say that he would not be at work this morning.

The spokesman said: "We can confirm that Alan Sheffield is an employee of ours and is an officer in the waste management section

"He told his boss that doctors had advised him to rest up and take it easy for 48 hours.

"Apparently he had to have a couple of stitches in a head wound after the incident but is going to be OK."

The Football Association has begun an investigation into the incident which marred the Welsh derby and which was captured by television cameras.

Mr Sheffield was the fourth official at the match, which ended in a 3-1 victory for Swansea. He is expected to return to work later this week.

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