Johan Hamel dead: Champions League referee dies after suffering a stroke in training

French referee Johan Hamel tragically passed away on Wednesday after suffering a stroke during training on Tuesday.

Hamel, 42, was a veteran of more than 130 games in France’s top flight, and also made his Champions League debut as fourth official two weeks ago in Celtic’s defeat to Real Madrid in the final round of the group stage.

His final game came on November 6, overseeing Lille’s Ligue 1 clash with Rennes, before taking on the fourth official duty in PSG’s encounter with Auxerre on Sunday, November 13.

French referee Johan Hamel (L) tragically passed away on Tuesday after suffering a stroke

Hamel had officiated 136 Ligue 1 games since he was promoted to the top tier in 2016-17.

Hamel made nine appearances as a referee in his own country this season, eight of which in the top flight of French football and one match in Ligue 2.

During that time, he captained the action-packed encounter between Clermont Foot and Stade Reims, which ended 4–2 for the former, saw six yellow cards and one red, and awarded Hamel three penalties in the tie.

He has also made a gradual transition to appearing in continental matches, and this season had taken on the fourth official duty in two Europa League games and a Conference League qualifier, as well as one Champions League game.

A statement from the Union of Elite Football Referees (SAFE) read: ‘Arbitration is in mourning. We learn of the passing of our colleague and friend, Johan Hamel, Ligue 1 referee, at the age of 42.

To his family, relatives and friends, SAFE and the arbitrators extend their deepest condolences. Johan, we will miss you.’