Charlton Athletic has confirmed the unfortunate passing of a supporter during their match against Portsmouth on September 30, 2023. The Championship fixture was halted in the 12th minute, with the score at 0-0, when a fan required urgent medical assistance in the lower tier of the Covered End at The Valley.
Incident Overview and Response
Referee Matthew Donohue took the decision to pause the game six minutes later as fans alerted him to the serious situation in the stands. The response from the crowd was immediate, with supporters raising alarms to ensure paramedics were called to assist the individual in distress.
Medical personnel attended to the supporter for approximately 12 minutes before they were transported out of the stadium on a stretcher. Despite the efforts of the first responders, Charlton Athletic announced around two hours later that the supporter had died in hospital.
Club Statement and Community Support
In a heartfelt statement, the club expressed its devastation over the news. “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,” the statement read. “The match was halted in the 12th minute while the supporter received treatment and was subsequently postponed.”
Charlton Athletic also extended their gratitude to the staff and first responders who worked diligently to provide care, stating, “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 statement further acknowledged the patience and understanding of the fans in attendance and the Portsmouth players and staff during the unfolding tragedy.
This incident marks a somber moment in the football community, reminding all of the urgency that can accompany sporting events. As investigations into the circumstances surrounding the medical emergency continue, the focus remains on the support provided to the fan and the community’s response during a distressing time.
