The reports of this game are very poignant. Chelsea's two late comeback goals were blamed on "tragic" errors by Sunderland's goalkeeper Jimmy Thorpe. However, the real tragedy unfolded after the game. Prior to those goals, a scrimmage had taken place with players trying to kick the ball whilst Thorpe lay on it. Thorpe sustained a severe kick to the head just above the left eye. He was ill at home on Sunday and Monday, then became seriously ill on Monday night. He was admitted to Monkwearmouth and Southwick Hospital for observation. There he died of a diabetic coma at around 2pm on Wednesday 5th February 1936. There was 2 minutes silence at Roker Park that afternoon, prior to the reserves match against West Stanley. At the inquest the following week, the verdict was of death "by diabetes accelerated by rough usage he received in the Chelsea game"; in addition the referee was considered to have been lax in his control of the game and the F.A. were urged to instruct referees to exercise stricter control over players.