Club devastated after footballer dies at pitch

Hashtag United was told Raman Sidhu suffered a cardiac arrest

A football club has said it is "heartbroken" after one of their 22-year-old players died while waiting to play in an inclusivity match.

Hashtag United said Raman Sidhu suffered a cardiac arrest at Garon Park in Southend-on-Sea on Saturday morning.

"We are absolutely devastated," said club chairman Derrick Pearson.

"This young man was dedicated to football and loved football."

Mr Pearson said the 22-year-old was a "lovely personality" and was a "team player".

He was someone the club admired and was always committed to playing matches, the chairman added.

In a statement posted on X, the club also praised emergency services for working "tirelessly", trying to give Mr Sidhu treatment at the pitch for more than two hours.

"We'd like to give our heartfelt condolences to Raman's family, his teammates & those in attendance at Garon Park yesterday," the club said.

"All our teams will be holding a minutes silence in his memory."

Founder and chief executive of Hashtag United, Spencer Owen, also paid his respects on social media: "So incredibly sad. Rest in peace Raman".

The club was founded by Owen, a YouTuber, initially as an exhibition team playing matches around the world which would be shared on social media.

They now have a semi-professional men's side playing homes games in Aveley in the regional Isthmian League, as well as dozens of other amateur teams including Hashtag Inclusive.