The Championship fixture between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth has been abandoned this afternoon after a fan died during the match at The Valley.
Saturday’s early kick-off, which began at 12.30pm, was brought to a halt after just 12 minutes when match official Matthew Donohue stopped the game to allow medical staff to attend to a supporter in the Covered End Lower section of the ground.
Both sets of players were instructed to leave the field as treatment continued.
The official decision to call off the match came roughly 45 minutes after the initial stoppage.
The club later announced that the fan had died in an update to fellow supporters.
A club statement read: “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 match was halted in the 12th minute while the supporter received treatment and was subsequently postponed. 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 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 Championship fixture between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth was abandoned this afternoon
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The fan in question was identified as requiring urgent assistance after fellow supporters in the stands alerted stewards to the situation.
Medical personnel administered treatment for approximately 10 minutes before the individual was placed on a stretcher and moved to a private location for further care.
Supporters from both Charlton and Portsmouth applauded as the affected fan was taken away from the stands.
The match had seen minimal action before the incident.
The match had seen minimal action before the incident
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Charlton defender Lloyd Jones had already received a booking in the opening exchanges.
A minute’s applause for Billy Bonds and Marvin Hinton had preceded kick-off.
Fans have taken to social media to wish the affected fan a quick recovery.
Charlton Athletic released an initial statement confirming the abandonment.
Charlton Athletic released a statement confirming the abandonment
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It read saying: “Due to a medical emergency in the crowd, today’s match has been abandoned.
“We thank you for your patience and understanding.
“Everyone at the club sends their best wishes to the supporter affected and thank our medical team and first responders.
“Information on when the match will be rescheduled will be announced in due course.”
A medical emergency among spectators at The Valley caused the abandonment
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Portsmouth echoed these sentiments and said in a statement that read: “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.”
They also added that details regarding a rescheduled fixture would be provided shortly.
The EFL also responded, writing: “Our deepest condolences go out to the supporter’s family, friends and all @CAFCofficial at this incredibly difficult time.”