Media365
Brighton and Hove Albion have confirmed that a supporter passed away during their Premier League opener against Fulham on Saturday. The 72-year-old man became unwell in the second half of the match while seated in the east stand upper. Despite immediate attention from emergency staff and prolonged efforts that included CPR and defibrillation, the supporter could not be revived. Privacy screens were quickly put up as medical teams worked on the scene. Paramedics from South East Coast Ambulance Service, St John Ambulance, Sussex Police, the club’s crowd doctor and stewards were all involved in the response. In a statement on the club’s official website, chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber said, “This was an incredibly sad end to the match this afternoon, and our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family and friends of the gentleman who lost his life. While the gentleman concerned is foremost in our minds, we are also aware that it was an emotional and distressing situation for staff and supporters in the direct vicinity. Over the coming days we will ensure those affected are properly supported.” Club doctor and emergency medicine consultant Dr Rob Galloway also addressed the tragedy. He said, “Firstly, I would like to convey my condolences and sympathies to the gentleman’s family and friends. It was a tragic outcome, but from an emergency response perspective, the medical care was exemplary, and the professionalism of club stewards and Sussex Police provided the medical team with the best possible working environment.” Officials explained why play was not halted during the incident. Brighton’s safety team, in consultation with Sussex Police and the Premier League, decided that stopping the match might have drawn unnecessary attention to the scene and disrupted resuscitation attempts. They also noted that any delay could have complicated matters if the supporter had responded and needed immediate transport to hospital.
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The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but the result was overshadowed by the events in the stands. For Brighton, the day will be remembered less for the football and more for the loss of one of their own, with tributes and condolences now flowing toward the supporter’s family and friends.
