Kevin Friend: Fourth official taken to hospital after collapsing during Bournemouth vs Southampton

The 44-year-old was replaced by Dean Treleaven, a qualified official who has previously taken charge of Under-21 fixtures

Fourth official Kevin Friend (Getty)

The second half of Bournemouth's home Premier League clash against Southampton was delayed to allow fourth officla Kevin Friend to receive treatment for a cut.

The 44-year-old official reportedly collapsed and hit his head on one of the dugouts at the Vitality Stadium shortly before the half-time break.

Match referee Mike Dean stopped play, before briefly restarting with a drop ball and immediately blowing the whistle for the break.

Friend, who hails from Leicester, was awake and concious while he received treatment in the dugout. He was subsequently taken to hospital for checks.

The incident was confirmed by broadcasters BT Sport at half-time and the half-time break was extended by a further five minutes.

Friend was replaced by Dean Treleaven, a fully qualified official who has taken charge of Under-21 fixtures in the past.

Bournemouth were leading the game at the end of the first half, having opened the scoring through defender Steve Cook.