A Portsmouth fan has died after a medical emergency at the start of a Championship match led to players being escorted off the pitch.
Kick-off was delayed by 35 minutes in the club's home match against Middlesbrough at Fratton Park on Saturday.
Emergency services treated the man at the scene, but Portsmouth Football Club later announced the fan's death.
A club statement said: “We are deeply shocked to learn that a Pompey fan has died following a medical emergency at Fratton Park today.”
She said that the incident occurred “right at the beginning of the match,” as the referee took the players off the field “to allow them to receive treatment.”
“Despite the valiant attempts of the emergency services, the fan sadly passed away,” the statement read.
“The next of kin are aware. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the supporter's family and loved ones at this sad time.”
The club said it was grateful to all Portsmouth and Middlesbrough fans inside the stadium “for the compassion, patience and understanding they showed in such painful circumstances.”
