A crucial Championship fixture between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth was abandoned on Saturday afternoon following a serious medical emergency involving a supporter in the stands.
Match Halted in 13th Minute
The 12:30pm kick-off at Charlton's home ground, The Valley, was brought to a sudden stop in the 13th minute with the score still at 0-0. The interruption occurred after a home supporter in the lower tier of the Covered End required immediate medical assistance.
Referee Matthew Donohue initially paused the game, and after being alerted to the severity of the situation by fans shouting to gain his attention, he took the decisive step of leading both teams off the pitch and into the dressing rooms approximately six minutes after the incident began.
Emergency Response and Decision to Abandon
Paramedics and first responders treated the individual at the scene for a further 12 minutes before carefully removing the supporter from the stadium on a stretcher for further care.
After a delay of around three-quarters of an hour, an official announcement was made at 1:30pm confirming the match would not resume. Stadium announcer Dave Lockwood addressed the crowd, stating: "Everyone here at Charlton sends their very best wishes to the supporter affected. We thank our medical team and first responders."
He also confirmed that details regarding the rescheduling of the fixture would be announced in due course, urging fans to leave the ground safely and calmly.
Club Reactions and Support
Both clubs swiftly expressed their concern and support for the fan involved. Portsmouth posted a message on the social media platform X, saying: "Our thoughts and best wishes are with the individual involved."
The incident overshadowed the sporting contest and highlighted the protocols in place for spectator welfare. The focus remains firmly on the well-being of the supporter, with the football community uniting in sending positive thoughts for their recovery.
