Mourning for viewers
After an emergency in the stands: Fan is dead
December 6th, 2025 – 7:05 p.mReading time: 1 min.
There is an interruption in a game in the second division in England. There is an incident in the stands – with sad consequences.
A medical emergency in the stands led to the interruption and later abandonment of the game between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth FC on Saturday lunchtime. The encounter in the second English league was stopped after just twelve minutes.
Referee Matthew Donohue initially sent both teams to the dressing room while paramedics treated a spectator in the stands. Around an hour after the incident, the club announced that the game would not be restarted.
Charlton later confirmed the death of the spectator, who was a supporter of the club.
The club said in a statement: “Charlton Athletic has to announce with great sadness that a fan has died today following a medical emergency at The Valley Stadium. All members of the club extend their deepest condolences to the fan’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
It continued: “The club would like to thank the Charlton staff and first responders who did everything they could, but unfortunately the fan later died in hospital.” The club is “very grateful to the fans in attendance, as well as Portsmouth players and staff, for their patience and understanding in the face of this tragedy.”
It is still unclear whether and when the game will be rescheduled. Charlton said information on this would be “announced in due course”.