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Sudden grief in football: he died at 42
Sudden grief in football: he died at the age of 42. Terrible news that shook the world of football ahead of Qatar 2022
Unfortunately France has confirmed the death of referee Johan Hamel, aged only 42. On November 6, he led the Ligue 1 match between Lille and Rennes.
The football bandwagon is all about the start of the World Cup in Qatar. The twenty-second edition of the highest competition for national teams will open on November 20 with Qatar-Ecuador. There will be 32 teams competing for the most coveted international titles, with plenty of players to watch closely.
Obviously, the referees will also be part of this, an integral and fundamental part of this movement. All Italian enthusiasts remember the various Collina or Rizzoli, who had the chance in 2002 and 2014 to boo in the very end of their respective shows.
However, the world of black “jackets” is going through a moment of infinite sadness. News from France threw the environment into turmoil. Indeed, referee Johan Hamel died at the age of 42. Sudden news, surprising knowing that on November 6 he was on the field of Lille-Rennes in Ligue 1. The sad communication came directly from the association of French referees.
Arbitration is in mourning. We learn of the death of our Colleague and Friend, Johan HAMEL, Ligue 1 referee, at the age of 42. To his Family, Relatives and Friends, the SAFE and the Arbitrators send their deepest condolences. Johan, we will miss you. pic.twitter.com/qhzVKHYLrN
— SAFE (@RefereesSAFE) November 16, 2022
Mourning in football: French referee Johan Hamel died at the age of 42
Johan Hamel was a high-level referee, considered one of the best in the transalpine league. In Ligue 1, he claims to be in charge of 136 matches from 2016-2017 to today. This year alone, he had already made 8 games, the last of which was just 10 days ago.
In addition to these directions, there are 85 other Ligue 2 matches, including Metz-Annecy this year.
Hamel had yet to become an international, but had filled the role of fourth official in top competitions such as Real Madrid-Celtic, as well as other appearances in Europe and the Conference League.
Paris Saint Germain took to Twitter with their farewell message to the disappearance of the French whistle.
“PSG sends all its thoughts to the family and loved ones of Johan Hamel, as well as to the world of French refereeing.”
Among the many high-level footballers who have spoken on the subject, there is also the 2018 world champion Florian Thauvin, currently engaged in Mexico.
On social media, he wrote: “My condolences to the family of Johan Hamel, a really great referee and a great person on and off the pitch. RIP John“.