Ligue 1 referee Johan Hamel has died at the age of 42.
The French Referees Union confirmed Hamel s passing in a statement on their official website on Wednesday.
Hamel had officiated in the French top flight for more than a decade and made his Champions League debut as fourth official in Real Madrid s win over Celtic earlier this month.
One of the most respected referees in France, Hamel s final match in the middle was Lille s 1-1 draw with Rennes on November 6.
He was also fourth official for PSG s 5-0 win over Auxerre at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.
L’arbitrage est en deuil. Nous apprenons le décès de notre Collègue et Ami, Johan HAMEL, arbitre de Ligue 1, à l’âge de 42 ans. A sa Famille, ses Proches et Amis, le SAFE et les Arbitres adressent leurs plus profondes condoléances. Johan, tu nous manqueras.
— SAFE (@ArbitresSAFE)
The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), which oversees the major leagues in French football, also sent their condolences.
Hamel s death comes two years after the passing of fellow French referee Sebastien Desiage at the age of 46 following a battle with illness.
LFP president Vincent Labrune said: Johan Hamel was an experienced referee who had worked for many seasons in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. His sudden death is a terrible shock.
Two years after the loss of Sebastien Desiage, his death again mourns French arbitration.
In the name of all professional football, I send my condolences to Johan s family and loved ones, as well as to SAFE and the FFF.
