A Liverpool fan dies after falling ill prior to the Benfica game as the club pay tribute in a heartfelt statement on Thursday morning.
While the specific cause of death remains unclear, as of when the Reds announced the news, it has been revealed that the supporter was in his 60’s and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment but sadly died soon after.
The Athletic report that the fan was taken to hospital in an ambulance that was already present at Anfield, and to ensure he arrived as soon as possible, Merseyside Police placed outriders around the emergency vehicle.
The authorities have also released a statement of their own that read: “We can confirm that a man has sadly died after falling ill during the Liverpool vs Benfica football match last night, Wednesday 13 April, at Anfield.
“Prior to the game a man in his 60s was taken to hospital from the stadium for emergency treatment but sadly died a short time later. The man’s next of kin have been informed. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the man’s family.”
It is with great regret that we can confirm that a supporter who was taken ill ahead of last night’s fixture against Benfica has sadly passed away.
The thoughts of everyone at the club are with the supporter’s family, loved ones and friends.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 14, 2022
LIVERPOOL STATEMENT:
It is with great regret that Liverpool Football Club can confirm that a supporter who was taken ill ahead of last night’s fixture against Benfica has sadly passed away.
A club spokesperson said: “First and foremost, the condolences and the thoughts of everyone at the club are with the supporter’s family, loved ones and friends.
“We would like to thank the emergency services for their heroic efforts in providing urgent care and our appreciation to our medical professionals, stewards and all supporters in the vicinity of the incident for their assistance.”
It came just minutes before Liverpool paid respect to coincide with the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.
Prior to the Benfica game, Liverpool fans on the Kop – and the other three sides of the stadium – sang ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ with an extra poignancy, in memory of the 97 victims of the Hillsborough tragedy and their long fight for justice.
Those in the Kop held up a mosaic with the number 97 in red, white and yellow.
Liverpool held a moment of silence for the 33rd anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster 🙏
(via @LFC)pic.twitter.com/JYkULdMOng
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 13, 2022
Anfield was packed out as home fans watched their side progress into the final four of European club football’s most elite competition once again.
Ibrahima Konate opened the scoring after heading home from a corner, before his opener was cancelled out by Goncalo Ramos.
A brace from Roberto Firmino made things more comfortable for the Reds, especially considering their 3-1 advantage from the first-leg back in Portugal.
However, they suffered a slight scare when goals from Roman Yaremchuk and Darwin Nunez gave Benfica a glimmer of hope as they tried to fight back and turn that aggregate score around. The game finished 3-3 (6-4 agg to Liverpool)
Klopp was pressed on whether he questioned about any concerns over the fact his side conceded three at home. “The day when we qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League and I’m not happy, come here and knock me out – it would make no sense,” he told BT Sport.
“We made seven changes for good reason, and played a really good first half where I liked a lot of things. But 3-1 up, the last line have never played together and it’s about details. It’s difficult to keep 100 per cent concentrated, the opposition will celebrate that they got a draw, a result here, but we didn’t have the perfect mindset in that moment.
“Of course, it wasn’t exactly what we wanted to do, but it’s not important. Playing the best game of the season tonight or our whole time together, wouldn’t have made it any more likely to get into the final. We played the game we played, we’re through and that’s all I wanted. I’m happy.”
Twitter users reacted as it’s confirmed a Liverpool fan dies after falling ill prior to the Benfica game as the club pay tribute…
@itsIduna: Hopefully there’s a moment of silence of that person against City. Many prayers YNWA
@SophLFC1: Was awful to see. The game didn’t seem important really afterwards. Paramedics, doctors etc did their best and I was hoping for better news today 😢 #YNWA
@r8hugs: It was directly opposite me sitting in the main stand. Full credit to the paramedics and support team as you could see them trying everything. Thoughts with the family involved. YNWA ❤️
@AEP220676: Very sad. Near where I was sat, stewards and medics did everything they could. RIP.
@muffa2022: Devastated for the man😢 seen this happen last night whilst i was in the annie road, couldnt get him out my mind all game. Sickening to think someone has gone to a match and never returned home. Thoughts are with the man an his family and the fans who witnessed it. 🔴😇 YNWA 😇🔴
@liverblokelfc: Could see from the Annie Road end that it was serious. So sad. Deepest condolences to his family. RIP 🙏❤
@HishamLFC_: Nobody should ever go to a football game and never come back 💔 thoughts are with his loved ones
@1892LFC2022: This was right behind me, absolutely heartbreaking to watch everything unfold last night. Couldn’t concentrate on the game. Many tried their best to save him. May he RIP ❤️ #YNWA
@KingDoover: Very sad news… May he Rest In Peace 🙏🕯️ YNWA
@snooky1977: was 8 rows back with my boy asking me what was going on then see the tears in my eyes if it’s any reassuring for his family the lady and paramedics tried there best for him I just can’t believe they never got word down to holt the start of game rest in peace fella YNWA 💔💔
@GMcompss: Rest in peace, no one should go to a football match and not come home. ❤️🙏🏻
@AndyQui31450677: Us supporters are a family to this club and rest in peace to that supporter thoughts and prayers with their family RIP YNWA 😞
@_Ifcstevo: Not the time to be asking them sort of questions lad just share your condolences
You must be logged in to post a comment Login