A MAN collapsed and died at Cirencester Arena on Wednesday.

An ambulance service spokesman told the Standard that paramedics were called to the site on Kingshill Lane at 9.10pm.

The keen footballer, in his 30s, was a few minutes into the second half of a match when he collapsed.

James French, manager at Cirencester Arena, said the man, a captain of the one the teams who had been playing at the site for four years, had come to see him for their usual pre-match chat and had appeared in good health.

“He had been through the first half and was fine, and then he just collapsed. There was no contact from any of the players. There wasn’t anyone near him,” said Mr French, who knew the man well.

The referee radioed up to Mr French, who rushed from his office and began CPR after he found the man was not breathing.

Three paramedics arrived within five minutes and were joined by doctors and other medical staff soon after.

Sadly, after 80 to 90 minutes trying to resuscitate him, the paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

“There was nothing more they could do for him,” said Mr French.

Mr French said he had been in contact with the family.

Anybody who wants to pay tribute to the man can contact the Standard at jpi@wiltsglosstandard.co.uk.