Premier League referee collapses and Jamie Vardy blows whistle to halt match

Referee David Webb had to be replaced on his debut after suffering a head injury during 's clash with . Play continued after the official fell to the floor after colliding with Foxes forward Jordan Ayew, prompting Jamie Vardy to take matters into his own hands.

Leicester had broken away on a counter attack when Webb turned and ran into Ayew's shoulder. There were several moments before Webb eventually collapsed to the floor and held his head, clearly looking very dazed. Vardy, who will leave Leicester at the end of the season, was the first to notice the stricken refeee and found Webb's whistle attached to his wrist. He blew the whistle stop the match in the 28th minute. The former England international made sure the 49-year-old was okay before leaving him to the medics who had run onto the pitch. The game was halted while Webb received lengthy treatment.

After failing a concussion test, he was replaced by fourth official Sam Barrott. There were 12 minutes between Webb suffering his injury and the match resuming, leading to a lengthy period of added time at the end of the first half.

As Webb walked away for further tests, fans jokingly chanted: "You're not fit to referee!"

Less than 10 minutes before the incident, Vardy had given Leicester the lead with a trademark finish at the King Power Stadium. The 38-year-old collected the ball in the middle of the penalty area before rifling it beyond Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. It was his 199th goal for Leicester.

Ayew added a second against the hapless Southampton before half-time. Both teams have already been relegated from the Premier League.

Last month, Leicester icon Vardy confirmed that he leave the club after 13 years. He first joined them in the Championship and spearheaded their remarkable Premier League title-winning campaign in 2015-16. The striker, who was capped 26 times by England, also won the FA Cup and played in the Champions League for the Midlands outfit.

Vardy said: "I've had 13 unbelievable years at this club with lots of success, some downs but a majority, all highs, but it's finally time to call it a day, which I'm devastated about but I think the timing is right," Vardy said.

"I just want to sincerely thank you all for taking me in as one of your own. Leicester will always, always have a massive place in my heart and I'll make sure that I will be following for the years to come and what I hope will be even more successful for the club."