FOOTBALL fans, players and officials united to send best wishes to a former Premier League referee who was rushed to hospital following his collapse on Monday night.

Eddie Wolstenholme, who was working as a referee assessor at Burnley’s home game to Newcastle, was taken ill in the tunnel before kick-off.

The Turf Moor clash, which was being televised live on Sky Sports, was due to kick off at 8pm but was put back half an hour after news of the collapse emerged.

The 64-year-old from Blackburn was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital by ambulance in a ‘conscious state’, where he remains in a unknown condition.

Mr Wolstenholme is well remembered as the referee in charge of the ‘Battle of Bramall Lane’ – a 2002 game between Sheffield United and West Brom which was abandoned after the hosts were left with just six players on the pitch.

Over the past 24 hours, clubs, fans and match officials have expressed their concerns for Mr Wolstenholme by flooding social media with their best wishes.

A Clarets spokesman said: “Burnley Football Club would like to send our best wishes to Eddie Wolstenholme, following an emergency incident at Turf Moor.

“The former top-flight referee, a well-known figure in East Lancashire, was operating as a referee’s coach during the Premier League game v Newcastle.

“Eddie collapsed in the tunnel ahead of kick-off and, after treatment by paramedics, was taken to hospital.

“Everyone connected with the football club wishes Eddie a speedy recovery.”

The Lancashire FA tweeted: "Everyone’s thoughts at Lancashire FA are with our colleague Eddie Wolstenholme, who collapsed in the tunnel at Turf Moor ahead of kick off in tonight’s Premier League match.

"Stay strong Eddie.”

The Lancashire FA Refs page added: “Horrible news to hear tonight that our very own referee development consultant Eddie has been taken ill prior to the Premier League tie.

“We are all behind you and hoping for a speedy recovery.”

Burnley were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle leaving them one place above the Premier League bottom three.

A spokesman for the ambulance service confirmed they had been called to Turf Moor just after 7pm and had taken a man to the Blackpool Victoria Hospital.