Leicester vs Saints delayed after referee injury as Vardy blows whistle to halt game

Referee David Webb had to be replaced 25 minutes into the Premier League fixture between Leicester and Southampton after going down with a head injury following an accidental collision with Foxes forward Andrew Ayew. 

The official caught Ayew's shoulder before falling to the ground, though the game carried on as not all the players on the pitch realised the extent of Webb's injury. Jamie Vardy took matters into his own hands to pause the play.

The Leicester legend, who recently announced he will be departing the club at the end of the season, rushed towards Webb to blow the whistle that was still in the stricken referee's hand, prompting concern among players.

Webb received medical treatment on the pitch, and after a lengthy 11-minute delay, it was decided that he would have to be replaced. The Englishman appeared unsteady as fourth official Sam Barrott stepped up to officiate the remainder of the fixture.

Nightmare debut

The matchday 35 fixture between the Foxes and the Saints marked Webb's debut in the Premier League. The 49-year-old had waited over 29 years to officiate in England's top tier after beginning his career at 20.

According to 'The Athletic', he officiated over 500 matches and has twice acted as a fourth official in the Premier League this term, with Saturday's match at the King Power Stadium being his first in charge.

But what was a dream quickly turned into a nightmare as Webb's debut lasted just over 20 minutes. Vardy had opened the scoring to put Leicester ahead before the injury-enforced delay, with Ayew doubling their lead on the brink of the half-time whistle.