Aston Villa fan suffers a cardiac arrest at half-time of European sport

The second half of Aston Villa‘s Europa Conference League semi-final against Olympiacos was delayed after a fan suffered a cardiac arrest on the stroke of half time.

Fans were evacuated from the lower tier of the Holt End as emergency services rushed to the scene to provide treatment.

Supporters quickly dispersed from the area as paramedics worked tirelessly to help the individual who had suffered the medical emergency.

Members of the home crowd were instructed by the PA system to evacuate the area as quick as possible, while both sets of players were already back in their respective dressing rooms.

The announcement said: ‘Could all supporters clear Holte Lower L2 and make sure the gangways are clear.’ 

Fans were rushed away from the Holt End as emergency services rushed to the scene

The second half of Aston Villa ‘s Europa Conference League semi-final against Olympiacos was delayed after a fan suffered a cardiac arrest

A black screen was held up by members of the emergency services as they tried to protect the individual from the view of thousands inside the stadium. 

An ambulance was quickly readied to take the fan to hospital while emotional fans watched the tragic scenes unfold inside the ground.

They were later carried out to the ambulance as fans of both teams demonstrated their support by clapping.

Players tried to keep warm by kicking the ball around inside the tunnel as they were momentarily held back from stepping out onto the pitch. 

The second half was delayed by a matter of minutes as Villa and Olympiacos players anxiously waited inside the tunnel before later emerging.

A cardiac arrest typically occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops pumping.

The second half later got underway as Aston Villa pulled a goal back through Ollie Watkins to reduce the deficit to 2-1 heading into the interval.

More to follow.