The 2nd Division match between St Andrew's and Għargħur was interrupted for a while yesterday when a 72-year-old stadium helper died halfway through.

An eyewitness following the game said that at around 12.30 p.m. someone emerged from the entrance to the pitch to call first-aiders.

However, it took some time before they noticed the calls as they were on the other side of the field.

The referee eventually stopped the match to allow them to cross and shortly after they re-emerged to call for more help.

The game then carried on.

"At first I thought something had happened to a player but then it turned out this man had died," the eyewitness said.

The helper was certified dead on the spot and a magisterial inquiry is being led by Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit.

There is no suspicion of foul play but the police are waiting for the autopsy to establish what caused the man's death.

St Andrew's won the game 4-1 to pass to the 1st Division.