Charlton fan dies after Portsmouth match abandoned as club left 'devastated'
The match was abandoned in the first half as the fan was treated by medics.
The supporter who received medical attention during Charlton Athletic's abandoned game against Portsmouth has died, it has been confirmed. Both sets of players were ordered to leave the pitch after the fan was taken ill during the first half of the match at The Valley. The game was later abandoned and Charlton have now confirmed the individual in question has sadly died.
In a statement, they 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 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."
Before the supporter's death was confirmed, Portsmouth added in a statement that "our thoughts and best wishes are with the individual involved and their family".
Andrew Cullen, the club's chief executive, told BBC Radio Solent: "These situations are not great for people who come to watch their team play football. Our hearts go out to the individual.
"Our hearts also go out to the family and friends, indeed to those supporters who were around it. We know only too well from the incident that happened at Fratton Park earlier this year as to what that means.
"That's where we are and we must pay our respects to everybody who has been affected by the incident and our thoughts are very much with them."
The fixture was abandoned early in the first half with the score goalless. The players left the pitch around 50 minutes before the game was officially called off. It is yet to be rescheduled, with details set to be announced in due course.
