Tragedy struck Hackney Marshes, when a 27-year old footballer suddenly died in the middle of a match.

Team mates initially thought Kelvin Brown had tripped over, but players from both sides – including local doctor Emran Hoque – rushed to his aid when they realised he had collapsed unconscious.

An ambulance arrived within minutes, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Homerton Hospital.

The Manchester United fan, who lived in Rutland Road, Homerton, had shown no signs of illness during the opening 40 minutes of a top-of-the-table clash between his side Bromley by Bow and Mohammadan.

Ironically Kelvin had been upbeat about the new job as a transport worker he was due to start the next day.

Kelvin, whose younger brother Curt was watching from the sidelines, was described by the club’s vice-chairman Naz Hussain as a ‘role model for everyone in the community’.

“He was a very honest and loyal guy with a great sense of humour and he was well-liked by his team-mates and others within the football community,” said Mr Hussain.

“Memories of the smile he always wore will never be forgotten.

“We as a club will support all the players and Kelvin’s family as best we can and our deepest condolences are with them at this sad time.”

A post-mortem examination yesterday concluded he had died of a heart attack.

Mr Hussain said the club was struggling to come to terms with the loss, which came just six weeks after a morale-boosting two-week tour of Bangladesh with Kelvin.

“Kelvin was very humble and polite, naturally a shy and reserved person who let his actions speak louder than words.

“He was not only a loyal and valuable player for us but he was also our friend and brother.

“He was a part of what was effectively a family environment. He did mention on a number of times over the years that this was what he loved about the club.”

He added that although the cause of death is yet to be established, the club would be encouraging all young players to attend regular health checks.

The club is now formulating plans to remember their former team-mate, including a charity game and the retirement of his shirt number.

A minute’s silence will be observed at all games of the Inner London Football League this weekend, with players wearing black armbands as a mark of respect.