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Portsmouth fan dies after medical emergency halts match towards Middlesbrough

Portsmouth have announced that a fan has sadly died following their Championship fixture against Middlesbrough this afternoon, which was halted in the first minute

The club is in mourning
The club is in mourning(Image: Getty Images)

Portsmouth Football Club are in mourning after confirming the tragic death of a fan following their Championship clash with Middlesbrough today.

The match at Fratton Park was stopped immediately after kick-off due to a medical emergency in the crowd, causing players to head back to the dressing rooms and the game to be delayed for over 30 minutes before resuming.

“Portsmouth Football Club are devastated to report that a Pompey fan has died following a medical emergency at Fratton Park today,” read a heartfelt statement from the club.

“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.”

The incident happened right at the start of the game
The incident happened right at the start of the game(Image: Burton Mail)

The club extended its deepest sympathies to the family and expressed gratitude towards fans for their support during the distressing event.

“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.”

Middlesbrough FC also shared their condolences, tweeting: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the supporter who passed away following a medical emergency at our game at @Pompey today,” reports the Mirror.

Middlesbrough FC also shared their condolences
Middlesbrough FC also shared their condolences(Image: Getty Images)

On the field, Portsmouth rallied from behind to secure a vital win, with Matt Ritchie’s second-half double overturning Emmanuel Latte Lath’s opener for Boro.

The outcome of the match sees John Mousinho’s team climb to 22nd place in the league, teetering on the edge of relegation due to their goal difference. On the other hand, Middlesbrough have slipped from the playoff spots following the loss.

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