Australian cricket The umpire suffered a “brutal blow” and was taken to hospital after a ball hit the side of his face at the weekend.

Tony DeNobrega was umpiring a third-grade match at Charles Veryard Reserve in North Perth when he was struck on the side of the face by a “straight shot that went off the screws”, the Western Australian Suburban Lawn Cricket Umpires Association said in a statement on Facebook.

Luckily, DeNobrega did not break any bones, but he spent the night in the hospital so doctors could keep an eye on him.

“We wish Tony the best for a speedy recovery from this terrible incident and look forward to him being back on his feet soon.”

DeNobrega is not the only referee to be seriously injured officiating a game; Welfare concerns have been increasing over the years.