Pompey fan dies after Fratton Park medical emergency
A Portsmouth fan has died after a medical emergency caused players to be removed from the pitch at the start of the Championship match.
Kick-off against Middlesbrough at Fratton Park on Saturday was delayed by 35 minutes.
Emergency services treated the man at the scene, but Portsmouth Football Club later announced that the supporter had died.
“We are saddened to report that a Pompey fan died today at Fratton Park following a medical emergency,” the club said in a statement.
The statement said the incident occurred “at the beginning of the game” and that the referee removed the player from the pitch “to allow for medical treatment.”
“Despite the brave attempts of emergency services, the supporter sadly passed away,” the statement read.
“Next of kin are known. Our sincere thoughts and condolences go out to the supporter’s family and loved ones at this sad time.”
The club said it was grateful to all Portsmouth and Middlesbrough fans at the stadium “for their compassion, patience and understanding in such painful circumstances”.
