Tributes paid as Portsmouth sadly confirm supporter died after medical emergency

Tributes have been paid as Portsmouth sadly confirm that a supporter has died after medical emergency at the game against Middlesbrough.

The Championship fixture at Fratton Park had to be stopped just seconds after kick-off with the referee alerted of medics rushing to the North Stand.

Players left the pitch and the game was delayed for around 35 minutes, as first responders carried out CPR on the supporter, who. was then taken to a waiting ambulance and airlifted from the stadium, as emergency services crew attempt to save them.

But next of kin have been notified that the supporter sadly passed away, and now Portsmouth FC have issued a statement.

Shannan Marie commented on the club’s social media: “We as a family would like to thank you for all your beautiful messages we have seen on here today, we are all absolutely devastated by what’s happened today, but send so much thanks and appreciation for everyone that helped and looked after Alec! He loved football and more importantly loved his Portsmouth Football Club! And what a result!! Again a massive thankyou to all that were there today looking after him and our Mum 💙”

Portsmouth Football Club are devastated to report that a fan has passed away following a medical emergency at Fratton Park today.

Our sincere thoughts and condolences go out to the supporter’s family and loved ones at this sad time.

— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) January 18, 2025

STATEMENT:

Portsmouth Football Club are devastated to report that a Pompey fan has died following a medical emergency at Fratton Park today.

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.

Matt Ritchie scored twice as Pompey came back from 1-0 down to win a vital three points, making it a fifth home win in six for his side, but they still sit in the relegation zone.

As mentioned, tributes have been paid by clubs and fans as Portsmouth sadly confirm a supporter died after a medical emergency…

@Andypfc1: The club needs to have a good look at its response this afternoon club dr should of made his way across the pitch with the defibrillator but no he didn’t and air ambulance should of landed on the pitch but didn’t

@Craigyrobbo81: Absolutely tragic, sorry to hear this. I hope there’s an investigation into why the paramedics went around the pitch instead of across it, and why the further help (looked like a defib) just strolled across the pitch instead of running. No urgency at all from anyone. RIP.

@beastieblue: Horrific to watch from the Fratton End, even more so for his family and friends. RIP 💙 condolences to all his family and friends.

@Robson79Dean: As a @Boro fan who was at the game today. I’d like express my condolence to the family and friends of the fan! We don’t go to a football game and never come on. May you RIP!

@deanmaskell: The thing I didn’t understand was it was an emergency yet both internal emergency staff and external medics strolled to get there. Whether around the pitch or across the pitch. Maybe I am being completely unfair but it didn’t seem anyone was putting a shift in getting there

@capfc11: Condolences to the family, RIP x Serious questions need to be asked as to why there seemed to be absolutely no urgency from any of the medical professionals, the response time was ridiculous!! Even when fans and players were calling people over no one rushed to help!!

@dmadscaff: You really need to look at your response to this emergency, it took too long. Thoughts to the family, RIP

@pdh_pdh: So sad to hear he didn’t make it 😢. Horrible, horrible thing to happen. I hope the people that were clambering on their seats trying to get a picture or whatever they were doing, take a look in the mirror at themselves tonight

@tyler199830: Rest in peace, rivalry’s go out the window in situations like this ❤️

@B6Nigel: Sincere condolences and sympathies to all at @Pompey and the friends and family of the fan from an Aston Villa fan 😔💜🩵🙏🏻

@boro_memories: Horrible news, love and prayers to his friends and family and all associated with Pompey 💔

@gemmaraggett: RIP 💙 such a lovely man. Hug your loved ones tight tonight because what I witnessed today which was right behind me was devastating 😢 I am struggling to process everything that happened today. Thank you to everyone who comforted me after the game. I love you all.

@gdvincent: The responder / medics who performed the CPR needs a big hug and thanks from all of us – thank you for all you tried to do and thoughts to the family and friends

@lowcarb_mark: RIP to this man 😢 I have to say the response of the medical team etc did seem odd. We couldn’t see what was going on from where we were but we could clearly see the pitch and the lack of urgency. We assumed people were rushing through the stand to get to this man?

@PaulAlanProject: Our hearts are with the person’s loved ones, the rescuers and bystanders today 🤍 We get it and we are here for you all with love & support 🫶 Everybody needs to learn the signs of a cardiac arrest, how to perform effective CPR and how to confidently use a defibrillator 🤍 RIP x

@harrylucas41: I love my football club but today was an embarrassment, a truly atrocious response from all medical teams and stewards. The club needs to take a serious look at themselves and their procedures. Sincere condolences to the family, rest in peace.

@cj_pompey: No one should go to a football game and not come home 😞 Thinking of his family and friends. It was 💔 watching them working on him once he was moved out of the stand. Felt a bit odd then cheering a football team on 15 mins later ☹️ Those 3 points were for you sir 💙 #RIP

Stewart Taylor: Ah this is heartbreaking to read . And it was even worse to witness . RIP to the fan , such a sad day. I feel I should say how amazing the players , and the fans (home and away)conducted themselves today. As soon as there was a sign that something was happening the players called for first aid and they arrived in an instant. And the away fans were very patient and understanding, personally I think the game should have been cancelled out of respect, and also the air ambulance circling round looking for a spot to land when there was a big green pitch they could have plonked down on was embarrassing, but other than that it was all handled well. My sincere condolences to the family of the patient. It’s really upset me to see they passed away. I hope the family can take some comfort knowing they passed away in their happy place.. x💙

Steve Holt: Today was so traumatic for all us fans that watched this unfold and hope all especially the children get the counselling they will need. My self and my son were in tears watching it unfold. I truly hope the family of this poor person who just went to watch their beloved Pompey are also getting the support they deserve and need. A minutes silence on the next home game for one of our own. RIP to our fellow Pompey Fan. PUP

We are so sorry for your loss – sending our condolences to the family and friends of the supporter, as well as everyone at Portsmouth 🧡

— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) January 18, 2025

The thoughts of everyone at Scunthorpe United are with you all.

— Scunthorpe United FC (@SUFCOfficial) January 18, 2025

All of us at Havant & Waterlooville send our deepest condolences to the supporter’s friends, family and all those affected 🤍💙

— Havant & Waterlooville FC (@HWFCOfficial) January 18, 2025