A father has died less than 48 hours after he collapsed while playing football.

Christopher Barnett, 43, who was known as Barney, was playing football for Abertillery Excelsiors AFC at Woodland Field on Saturday when he collapsed.

Mark Abraham, the club's social media manager, said he died in hospital on Monday.

He said this was “despite the best efforts of his teammates and the emergency services who fought valiantly to save him”.

Mr Abraham said: “It was earth shattering. It is a void we will never fill and we don’t want it to be filled. There was only one Barney.”

Mr Abraham said a GoFundMe page was set up to raise money for Mr Barnett’s family and that it has already received more than £4,500 in donations.

He said: “I have never seen anything like the response from this from clubs all over South Wales.

“It shows the strength, love and passion of the football community and it shows the unwavering togetherness.

“The Chris Barnett Memorial Fund was set up at 10pm on Tuesday and already has over £4,000. My phone hasn’t stopped all day with notifications of donations and messages of support.

“We want to ease the financial burden on Chris’ family. This money is for them and them alone. Every single member of the club from men’s senior teams to youth to women’s teams have come together with the rest of the town.”

Christopher Barnett, known as Barney, was playing football for Abertillery Excelsiors when he collapsed
Christopher Barnett, known as Barney, was playing football for Abertillery Excelsiors when he collapsed

Abertillery Excelsiors cancelled their training this week out of respect for Mr Barnett and said none of the club’s senior teams will play this weekend.

Mr Abraham said: “We will have a lot in the pipeline that we want to do to create a lasting legacy starting with an open afternoon at the New Bridgend Inn in Abertillery this Saturday.

“We’ll be raising a glass to Barney with some of his nearest and dearest, as well as representatives from throughout the footballing community.”

Mr Abraham said a number of events have already been organised to raise funds for Mr Barnett’s family.

He said: “Our focus will then turn to September 28, when we hold an evening with Razor Ruddock, who has graciously offered his support, at an event where we are hoping to auction memorabilia and raise even more money, alongside his spoken word show.”

Abertillery Excelsiors thanked people for their support.

A statement on its website said: “It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the passing of Christopher Barnett.

“Barney was a true club legend and character for so many of us and we were better for having him in our lives. It is a tragic void we will never be able to fill.

“We’d like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Lesley and Aaron, his family and friends at this time, whilst also thanking the countless football clubs and individuals who sent messages of love, strength and support over the past 48 hours.

“It has been nothing short of inspiring and incredible.

“Football is much more than results and rivalries. Barney would be proud.”

To donate to the fund, see www.gofundme.com/chris-barnett-memorial-fund