AN assistant referee who saved the life of a Trafford FC footballer after he crashed into an advertising hoarding has been hailed a hero.

The injury occurred to Trafford striker Danny Frost during a crucial Evo Stik North play-off match at Colwyn Bay on Saturday.

The incident happened in the 62nd minute with the home side two goals to the good over the borough side.

At the time in the incident, Danny had been sprinting after a long ball but fell in the wet conditions and slit into the hoarding.

It left the striker unconscious and it is thought he had swallowed his tongue.

Trafford FC officials said: “But for the swift intervention of assistant ref Zharir Mustafa, who administered immediate first-aid on the stricken forward, things could have been far, far worse.”

Referee Kristian Silcock abandoned the game after a delay of 35 minutes and it was just over an hour before an ambulance arrived on the scene.

Danny was taken to a local hospital where he underwent a brain scan and was given the all-clear and discharged at 11pm.

Danny said later: “Words can’t describe how grateful I am and overwhelmed with all your messages. I’d like to thank everyone Colwyn Bay FC & Trafford FC, stewards, fans and officials for everything you did today

Danny’s father, Gary, added: “Eternally grateful to Zharir for what he did for my son yesterday — you sir are a hero!

“Also thanks to Jake North (TFC Physio) who lay on a soaking pitch for 50 mins supporting his head, CBFC medics, staff at Glan Clywd Hospital and Kev from TFC for taking care of Charlie.”