Fan dies after medical emergency at Fratton Park

After players were taken off the field during a medical emergency at the start of a Championship game, a Portsmouth fan died.

Kick-off was delayed by 35 minutes in the club’s home match against Middlesbrough at Fratton Park on Saturday.

The man was treated by emergency personnel at the scene, but Portsmouth Football Club later announced the supporter had passed away.

The referee removed the players from the field “to allow for treatment to be administered,” according to the statement that the incident occurred “right at the start of the game.”

“Despite the valiant attempts of the emergency services, the supporter unfortunately passed away”, the statement read.

“Next of kin are aware. The family and loved ones of the supporter are in our hearts at this difficult time.