A Charlton Athletic supporter died on Saturday after suffering a medical emergency during the Championship fixture against Portsmouth at the Valley, an incident that led to the match being abandoned.
Play was halted in the twelfth minute as medical teams rushed to the lower tier of the Covered End stand to treat the stricken supporter. Both sets of players remained on the pitch for several minutes while paramedics worked, before referee Matthew Donohue directed them down the tunnel in the nineteenth minute.
Charlton later confirmed the supporter had died in hospital despite the efforts of those who attended to them. In a statement, the club said, “The club are devastated to report that a Charlton Athletic supporter has died following a medical emergency during today’s game at The Valley against Portsmouth. The club would like to thank the Charlton staff and first responders who did everything they could, but sadly the supporter later passed away in hospital.”
The statement added, “The club are grateful to supporters in attendance and the Portsmouth players and staff for their patience and understanding as this tragedy unfolded. Everyone at the club sends their heartfelt condolences to the supporter’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
The supporter was taken away on a stretcher after around twelve minutes of treatment, and approximately forty five minutes after the incident the stadium announcer confirmed that the match had been abandoned. Dave Lockwood told supporters, “Everyone here at Charlton sends their very best wishes to the supporter affected. We thank our medical team and first responders. We will inform when the match will be rescheduled and that will be announced in due course.”
Portsmouth later issued their own message of sympathy, saying, “Pompey are devastated to learn that the Charlton supporter taken ill at today’s game has passed away. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their family and friends at this difficult time.”
A minute’s applause had been held before kick off for former Charlton players Billy Bonds and Marvin Hinton, and Portsmouth had begun the match with the greater intent, although events in the stands swiftly overshadowed the football. The fixture will be rearranged, with a new date to be confirmed.
