Brighton have released a statement confirming a fan has died after falling ill at their opening Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday afternoon.
The club confirmed a 72-year-old male supporter became unwell during the second half of the game, with emergency services and club medical staff rushing to the scene.
South East Coast Ambulance Service paramedics, St John Ambulance, Sussex Police, the club’s crowd doctor and stewards all participated in the efforts.
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CPR was administered at the scene behind a privacy screen, but the patient was unable to be saved.
Brighton confirmed that a fan has died after falling ill in the stands during their Premier League opener against Fulham
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The club confirmed they had considered halting the game, but the decision was not taken as it could have “impacted the resuscitation attempts” and “created further complications had the patient responded and required transportation to hospital”.
Brighton 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.”
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The club paid tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva before their game
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Club doctor Rob Galloway also spoke out on the incident: “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.”
Fulham took to social media to send their thoughts: “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the Brighton supporter who sadly passed away after this afternoon’s match.
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“We extend our deepest sympathies with everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion FC, their fans, players and staff.”
On the day, Brighton took the lead in the second half through a Matt O’Reilly penalty.
But the Seagulls could not hold onto their lead, with Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz, who has been heavily linked with a move away from Craven Cottage this summer, coming off the bench to hammer the ball in from close range after a corner.
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Rodrigo Muniz grabbed a late equaliser for the visitors
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The goal came just seconds from time, with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler expressing his frustrations after the game: “I think we defended really well, 96 minutes, and then there was one corner.
“I think it's not the corner, it's more the throw before and then the consequence after the throw in the corner.
“Of course, the team will get judged by the results, but we really should focus on the performance.”
Elsewhere, Sunderland got their first win of the campaign after they hammered West Ham 3-0 in the first Premier League game at the Stadium of Light for eight years.
Man City also got off to a winning start, smashing Wolves 4-0, and Spurs put three past newly-promoted Burnley, with Richarlison scoring a stunning volley as he netted an impressive brace.