A medical incident involving a spectator forced the postponement of Newport County's League Two curtain-raiser against Notts County at Rodney Parade on Saturday afternoon.
Two air ambulances touched down on the playing surface after a fan fell ill in the stands.
The stadium was cleared whilst paramedics provided emergency treatment to the affected individual.
It has since been confirmed that the supporter is in a "serious but stable" condition in hospital.
Everyone at Newport County sends their best wishes to the Notts County supporter, who was taken ill before today's match.
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) August 2, 2025
Our thoughts are with them and everyone involved. https://t.co/X64v2KiAPi
Both clubs issued statements via social media platforms confirming the delay to proceedings.
"Due to a supporter being taken ill in the stands, an air ambulance has landed on the pitch. A delay to kick-off is likely, with more details to follow ASAP," the clubs announced. "We send our very best wishes to the individual concerned."
The fixture had been set for a 3pm (BST) start, but Newport County confirmed at 2.26pm that medical personnel were attending to the unwell spectator.
The Welsh club subsequently informed supporters that the match would proceed once both squads had adequate time to prepare following the helicopters' departure.
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The game was delayed by an hour at Rodney Parade after the fan was treated
|Getty
"The medical situation is still ongoing," Newport stated. "At present, the plan is for the match to commence at an agreed time which allows both teams to warm-up sufficiently after the two air ambulances depart."
Notts County later confirmed the revised schedule: "Kick-off has been agreed for 4pm. We await a further update on the condition of the supporter, who remains in our thoughts."
Spectators eventually returned to their seats and the contest commenced at 4pm.
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The home side struck first when Gerard Garner found the net four minutes after the interval.
The Exiles' advantage lasted just under a quarter of an hour before Jodi Jones levelled matters from the penalty spot in the 64th minute.
The Magpies dominated proceedings with 70 per cent of the ball but failed to breach Newport's defence again.
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The encounter concluded all square at 1-1, with both teams claiming a point from their opening fixture of the campaign.
The draw marked the beginning of a new era for Newport, with David Hughes taking charge for his first senior managerial position since 2004.
Hughes arrives after holding youth development posts at Aston Villa, Southampton, Cardiff City and Manchester United.
The Exiles enter the campaign as relegation candidates after narrowly avoiding the drop last term, finishing 22nd with 49 points - just seven clear of Carlisle United in the relegation zone.
Notts County harbour ambitions of promotion after reaching last season's play-offs, where they fell to AFC Wimbledon over two legs.