THE referee who was knocked out during Swindon Town's 5-0 win over Grimsby Town in League Two on Saturday has been given the all-clear by doctors and is recovering at home.

Sam Purkiss was concussed in the 12th minute of Saturday's game after on-loan Sheffield Wednesday defender Ciaran Brennan slid in to clear a loose ball around the edge of the Swindon box but inadvertently kicked it straight into the official's face from around 10 yards away.

Purkiss fell to the floor and laid motionless for a few seconds before shifting his arm slightly. Swindon and Grimsby's physio's rushed to the referee's aid and quickly put him in the recovery position before applying the necessary first-aid.

After a few minutes, Purkiss was taken off the field by a stretcher and sent to Great Western Hospital where he underwent further tests as a precaution.

After being given the all-clear and discharge from hospital, the referee was taken home by his wife where he is now recovering.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said: "Match official Sam Purkiss received brilliant care from the medics at the County Ground as well as those at the hospital, which was greatly appreciated."

Post-match, Robins' head physio Alison Willets said on Twitter: "Well, that was fun! Can't say I've ever had to assess and treat a ref on a pitch before, let alone at 30 weeks pregnant. Wishing him a speedy recovery!"

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Willets later stated that there should perhaps be a protocol in place at games where match officials share their relevant medical history with club doctors as they are at high risk of injury by being on the field of play.

Willets Tweeted: "Reflecting on the events of yesterday, I do think there is a place in which the club doc maybe should be briefed by the refs regarding their medical history I.e. Head injuries, medical conditions, drug allergies etc. They are close to the action so at a higher risk."

Assistant referee Leigh Crowhurst took over whistling duties in Purkiss' absence and experienced an eventful afternoon at SN1.

After Charlie Austin headed in the first goal of the day in the 25th minute, Crowhurst showed a red card to Grimsby's Danny Amos nine minutes later for a foul as last man.

After half-time, goals from Jonny Williams, Marcel Lavinier, Ronan Darcy, and Saidou Khan wrapped up the result in Swindon's favour.