- Fan who attended Portsmouth's match against Middlesbrough tragically dies
- The fan received medical attention in the stands while the game was stopped
- The match eventually resumed about 35 minutes after the incident.
A fan who attended the Championship clash between Portsmouth and Middlesbrough has died after a medical emergency in the crowd.
The second division match was stopped for around 35 minutes after a spectator in the home field required medical attention three seconds after referee Gavin Ward had initially started the procedure.
Portsmouth later announced that the fan had died, despite the efforts of the emergency services. The fan was treated at the scene by emergency services, but unfortunately died.
“Portsmouth Football Club is devastated to report that a Pompey fan has died today following a medical emergency at Fratton Park,” a club statement read.
“The incident occurred right at the start of the match, when the referee took the players off the pitch to allow the treatment to be administered.
'Despite the brave attempts of the emergency services, sadly the supporter died.
Fan who attended Portsmouth's match against Middlesbrough sadly passed away following a medical emergency
The players were removed from the field before warming up once more before the restart.
The closest relatives know it. Our sincere thoughts and condolences go out to the fan's family and loved ones at this sad time.
“We thank all the Pompey and Middlesbrough fans inside the stadium for the compassion, patience and understanding they showed in such distressing circumstances.”
Reporting live from Fratton Park on Saturday afternoon, Sky Sports' James Savundra said: “Really worrying scenes.” Referee Gavin Ward blew his whistle to start the game, but seconds later he did so again due to a medical emergency in the crowd near the halfway line.
After receiving treatment in the stands, the fan was taken off on a stretcher about 25 minutes later.
Both home and away fans applauded as the stretcher was carried out of the stadium as a sign of respect.
The match was stopped and the players did not come out again until around 3.25pm to warm up once again, with the match eventually resuming at 3.35pm.
A message was heard on the ground to thank those present for their patience before the resumption of the procedure.
Portsmouth would take all three points, Matt Ritchie's brace canceled out Emmanuel Latte Lath's opener, the hosts remained in the bottom three on goal difference, while Michael Carrick's side dropped out of the play-off places.