Championship clash delayed due to medical emergency after three seconds with players sent back to the dressing room
A CHAMPIONSHIP clash was stopped just three seconds after kick-off due to a major medical emergency.
Portsmouth‘s match against Middlesbrough was stopped seconds after the start.
Pompey players immediately alerted the referee, calling for help from their physios when they saw that a spectator had fallen ill.
Medical staff immediately rushed into the Fratton Park crowd, and one of them was seen pumping the chest of the stricken spectator.
Both sets of players kept warm by kicking the ball between each other.
That was until referee Gavin Ward told them to return to the dressing room when the seriousness of the situation was known.
Medical staff spent many minutes pumping the home fan’s chest as stewards shielded the incident in the north stand with white sheets.
Pompey confirmed the stoppage on social media with a brief statement.
It read: “There’s been a delay to kick-off at Fratton Park due to a medical emergency in the crowd.”
After over 20 minutes, the fan was lifted onto the side of the pitch on a stretcher.
The fans immediately applauded as an ambulance arrived in the corner of the Fratton Park end.
Both sets of fans applauded again when the stretcher, surrounded by staff with sheets, made its way to the ambulance.
The players returned for their warm-ups when it was announced the kick-off would be 3.35pm.
Both clubs sent their best wishes to the person involved.
Pompey posted: “Our thoughts are with the supporter who is receiving medical attention.”
Boro wrote: “Sending all of our thoughts and best wishes to the individual concerned.”
Fans also reacted to the incident by sending their well wishes.
One posted: “Hope whoever is involved is okay.”
A second wrote: “Hope they’re ok.”
A third commented: “Can only hope and pray that the fan at the Portsmouth game who is receiving medical treatment is ok.”
A fourth said: “Wishing all the best to those involved.”
Another added: “Hope the person in question is going to be ok.”
It was not the only game to be delayed due to a fan emergency, as Blackpool’s draw against Huddersfield was also disrupted.