Portsmouth have announced a fan has sadly died following their Championship fixture against Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon.
The match was halted just seconds after kick-off due to a medical emergency in the stands. The players returned to the dressing rooms before the game belatedly restarted after more than half an hour. And the club have now announced the supported sadly died.
“Portsmouth Football Club are devastated to report that a Pompey fan has died following a medical emergency at Fratton Park today,” they said in a statement.
“The incident happened right at the start of the game, with the referee taking the players off the pitch to allow for treatment to be administered. Despite the valiant attempts of the emergency services, the supporter unfortunately passed away.
“Next of kin are aware. Our sincere thoughts and condolences go out to the supporter’s family and loved ones at this sad time. We are grateful to all the Pompey and Middlesbrough fans inside the stadium for the compassion, patience and understanding they showed in such distressing circumstances.”
Middlesbrough added: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the supporter who passed away following a medical emergency at our game at @Pompey today.”
On the pitch, Portsmouth boosted their survival hopes by coming from a goal down to claim all three points. Emmanuel Latte Lath fired Boro in front after half an hour, but a second-half brace from Matt Ritchie completed Pompey’s comeback.
The result moves John Mousinho’s side up to 22nd in the table, sitting in the relegation zone by virtue of goal difference only. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, drop out of the playoff positions after the defeat.
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