Portsmouth Football Club has confirmed the heartbreaking death of one of their fans, which occurred just outside Fratton Park prior to their Championship clash against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon. Emergency medical teams were called immediately to the scene in an attempt to save the individual’s life, but sadly, despite their best efforts, the fan could not be revived.
In an official statement, Portsmouth said: “Portsmouth Football Club is devastated to announce that a Pompey supporter passed away following a medical emergency outside Fratton Park on Saturday. The club expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the supporter. Emergency services, including South Central Ambulance Service and St John Ambulance, as well as club staff and stewards, acted swiftly and tirelessly to try to save the fan’s life, and we are extremely grateful for their efforts.”
West Brom also expressed their sorrow on social media, stating: “We are devastated to hear this tragic news. Our thoughts are with the supporter’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.” Fans from across the football community also joined in paying their respects, highlighting the wider impact of the loss.
Despite the tragedy, Portsmouth went on to secure a 3-0 victory over West Brom, with goals from Conor Chaplin and Ebou Adams. However, the win was inevitably overshadowed by the incident. The result temporarily lifted Portsmouth above the Baggies in the Championship table, but attention remained on the loss of their supporter.
Tragically, this comes just a year after another Pompey fan, Alec Lumb, passed away during a match against Middlesbrough at Fratton Park, which led to the game being stopped just seconds after kickoff.
Eyewitnesses reported that Portsmouth players immediately alerted the referee when they saw the spectator fall ill and called on the team’s medical staff for urgent assistance. One medic was seen performing chest compressions as stewards shielded the scene with white sheets in the north stand. Despite the intensive efforts of the medical team, Portsmouth later confirmed that the fan had passed away, leaving the club and community in mourning.
