* Sport * Football * Barnsley Hume claims he 'could have died' following Morgan elbow • 'I pleaded with the referee to give me some protection' • Striker disappointed Morgan wasn't sent off * guardian.co.uk, Sunday November 16 2008 10.52 GMT * Article history Barnsley's Iain Hume Barnsley's Iain Hume remains in hospital. Photograph: Daniel Hambury/Empics Sport/PA Photos Barnsley striker Iain Hume claims he "could have died" when he was elbowed in the head by Sheffield United defender Chris Morgan during last weekend's South Yorkshire derby. Hume required emergency surgery on a fractured skull and also suffered internal bleeding, and is not expected to play again this season. The 25-year-old Canada international remains in hospital and has hit out at referee Andy D'Urso, claiming he had sought protection from Morgan's physical approach before the incident, which occured in the 31st minute of the 1-1 draw at Oakwell. "I pleaded with the referee to give me some protection," Hume told the Sunday Times. "I could have died." Morgan was booked for the elbow, and Hume is angry the former Tykes defender was not sent off. "I feel disappointed that he [Morgan] did not get a red card," said Hume. "I had complained to the referee earlier about being elbowed." Barnsley's medical staff initially thought Hume had suffered only a concussion and sent him home, but later tests discovered a fractured skull. "Last Saturday night the signs were that I was suffering from concussion," he said. "It was only through the passage of time that I deteriorated. Subsequently a brain scan revealed the injuries were dangerous, and I became an emergency. Then my immediate thoughts were about my family and what effect this would have on them. Having thoughts like that is an horrific experience."