Football fan dies after being taken ill in stands during EFL game as club issue statement

Ed Griffiths
Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:38:31 +0000

A Blackpool Football Club supporter has died after suffering a medical emergency during Saturday's League One fixture against Peterborough United at Bloomfield Road.

Graham Sharman collapsed in the second half of the match, prompting fellow fans to call for help from the stands.

Play was suspended as medical personnel rushed to the north side of the West Stand to provide emergency treatment.

Despite receiving immediate attention from professionals at the scene, Mr Sharman could not be saved.

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He was pronounced dead at the ground.

The incident cast a shadow over what had been a crucial home victory for the Seasiders.

Blackpool FC confirmed the news in an official statement released this afternoon.

The club expressed profound sorrow at the loss of their supporter.

The statement read: "Blackpool Football Club is deeply saddened to report the news of the passing of supporter Graham Sharman.

"Graham suffered a medical emergency in the second half of Saturday’s match at Bloomfield Road.

"Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Graham sadly passed away.

"The Club have been in contact with his family and will remain in close communication to offer any support that is needed."

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They added: "The thoughts and condolences of everyone go out to Graham’s family and all of those connected at this time.

"Rest in peace, Graham.”

Speaking after the match, Blackpool manager Ian Evatt offered his condolences to Mr Sharman's loved ones and provided further details about the nature of the emergency.

Evatt said: "Some things are more important than football, and my thoughts and prayers are with the guy who came to a football match and ended up having a cardiac arrest for me there's bigger things than football, and it's important to have perspective of that."

Peterborough United boss Luke Williams also reflected on the distressing scenes.

He described the incident as "something really very disturbing in the crowd".

The Peterborough boss added: "We're thinking about the families, it's very upsetting."

On the pitch, Blackpool secured a 3-1 victory thanks to a brace from Dale Taylor and a goal from Tom Bloxham, keeping the club four points above the relegation zone.