Oxford vs Portsmouth Championship sport suspended and brought off TV after medical emergency
Oxford’s Championship clash with Portsmouth was suspended on Saturday after a medical emergency in the stands, with both sets of players taken off the pitch
Oxford’s Championship clash with Portsmouth was halted on Saturday due to a medical emergency in the crowd, leading to both teams being escorted off the pitch.
The club announced the news via a brief Twitter post just 15 minutes into the match at the Kassam Stadium, stating: “The players have now left the field whilst we deal with the medical emergency.”
Oxford later provided an encouraging update confirming that the affected supporter was breathing. Both clubs also announced that play would recommence at 1.15pm.
The match had initially been removed from Sky’s red button broadcast while the incident was being handled. However, when the players returned to the pitch, it was made available once more, reports the Mirror.
“Thank you for your patience,” Oxford posted on their official X account. “We can confirm that the fan is breathing and receiving medical care, they will be transferred to hospital for further monitoring. Play will resume at 1.15pm.”
This incident came just a month after Portsmouth’s match against Middlesbrough at Fratton Park was suspended at kick-off due to a medical emergency, resulting in a 35-minute delay.
Tragically, Portsmouth later confirmed the affected supporter had died after emergency services arrived at the scene to provide treatment.
“We are devastated to report that a Pompey fan has died following a medical emergency at Fratton Park today,” the club stated. 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.”
The statement further commended both Portsmouth and Middlesbrough fans for the “compassion, patience and understanding they showed in such distressing circumstances”.
