Charlton fan dies during Championship clash with Portsmouth as match abandoned

Charlton have announced the fan at the centre of Saturday’s medical emergency has died.

The Championship clash with Portsmouth at The Valley was abandoned after 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.

At 1.30pm, around 50 minutes after the game was initially paused, stadium announcer Dave Lockwood asked supporters to leave in an orderly fashion.

And less than two hours after the match was called off, Charlton released a statement to announce the supporter had passed away.

“The club are devastated to report that a Charlton Athletic supporter has died following a medical emergency during today’s game at The Valley against Portsmouth,” it read.

“The match was halted in the 12th minute while the supporter received treatment and was subsequently postponed.

“The club would like to thank the Charlton staff and first responders who did everything they could, but sadly the supporter later passed away in hospital.

“The club are grateful to supporters in attendance and the Portsmouth players and staff for their patience and understanding as this tragedy unfolded.

“Everyone at the club sends their heartfelt condolences to the supporter’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

Portsmouth added: “Pompey are devastated to learn that the Charlton supporter taken ill at today’s game has passed away.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their family and friends at this difficult time.”

Fans were left devastated by the news and took to social media to send their condolences.

Charlton fan and talkSPORT contributor Tash Everitt wrote on social media: “Absolutely awful news. Rest in peace to one of our own.”

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 match was goalless at the point of abandonment – with the only notable moment being a yellow card for Charlton defender Lloyd Jones.

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.