TRAGEDY struck at a Devon football cup final last Friday when a 47-year-old player died after collapsing with a suspected cardiac arrest.

Chris Ralph was playing for Chagford Football Club in the Devon Veterans' Cup Final against Topsham Town in Newton Abbot last Friday night.

The father of four, from Budleigh Salterton, collapsed on the pitch during the first half of play. He died later in Torbay Hospital.

In a statement on their website, Chagford FC said: 'It is with much sadness we have to tell you of the death of one of our players, Chris Ralph.

'Chris collapsed during the Veterans' Cup Final and, despite the best efforts of everyone at the ground, the paramedics and the staff at Torbay Hospital, passed away soon after arrival at the hospital. The cause appears to have been a heart attack.

'Chris was a fine player, a loyal clubman and great family man and, at the age of just 47 years, had been a key member of Chagford FC.

'As a club we are stunned, but our thoughts are with Chris's family at this time of great sorrow.'

The club's secretary John Pearce said: 'On behalf of the Ralph family and all at Chagford FC, I'd like to thank everybody who has expressed their condolences following the tragedy. I will be sure to pass these messages on.'

The secretary of the South Devon Football League, Anthony Roach, said: 'Chris played in the South Devon Football League for many years and was very well known in the local football circles.

'All our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.

'The South Devon Football League has requested that all clubs hold a minute's silence in memory of Mr Ralph at all South Devon League games and the Herald Cup semi-finals over the Easter weekend.

Mr Ralph played as either a defender or midfielder and had made nine appearances for the club this season, scoring twice.

His death comes two weeks after the collapse of Bolton Wanderers player Fabrice Muamba, who suffered a heart attack during the club's FA Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur on March 17. Muamba is currently recovering in the London Chest Hospital.