Championship match abandoned after 12 minutes due to crowd emergency

The Championship match between Charlton and Portsmouth has been abandoned after an emergency in the crowd.

Saturday’s lunchtime clash at The Valley was goalless on 12 minutes when referee Matthew Donohue stopped the game.

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This was due to a medical incident in the Covered End Lower -Charlton’s North Stand – which houses home fans.

After a five-minute stoppage, both teams were taken off the pitch as a fan continued to receive treatment from paramedics and club medical staff.

talkSPORT understands the supporter was given CPR in the stands before being taken away on a stretcher and sent to hospital.

Players remained in the dressing room for nearly 40 minutes before Charlton announced the match was abandoned.

A statement read: “Due to a medical emergency in the crowd, today’s match has been abandoned.

“We thank you for your patience and understanding. Everyone at the club sends their best wishes to the supporter affected and thank our medical team and first responders.

“Information on when the match will be rescheduled will be announced in due course.”

Stadium announcer Dave Lockwood relayed the information to those in attendance at 1.30pm and asked supporters to leave in an orderly fashion.

talkSPORT understands the EFL Board will now consider what action is to be taken as a result of the abandonment, in line with EFL Regulations, with the game expected to be rescheduled.

The EFL wrote on social media: “Sending our very best wishes to the supporter affected.” https://twitter.com/EFL/status/1997299411106586695

Charlton and Portsmouth entered the match in the lower half of the Championship.

Pompey are in the relegation zone, third from bottom, while the Addicks are six points above their opponents in 17th.

Charlton were on a run of four consecutive defeats, which has seen Nathan Jones’ side plummet down the table after a positive start.

Meanwhile, the visitors had only won one of their last nine games.