Charlton Athletic‘s game against Portsmouth was abandoned due to a medical emergency in the stands, which initially saw both sets of players taken off the pitch. The two teams went into the match at The Valley looking to return to winning ways and climb up the Championship table. However, play was stopped after just 12 minutes following a medical incident in the Covered End.
A medical team rushed to the aid of the supporter, who was treated for several minutes. Eventually, the players were asked to leave the pitch due to the distressing scene unfolding in the crowd. Treatment continued for another four minutes before the fan was taken away on a stretcher by paramedics.
Eventually, the game was abandoned with Charlton posting on X (formerly Twitter): “We thank you for your patience and understanding. Everyone at the club sends their best wishes to the supporter affected and thank our medical team and first responders. Information on when the match will be rescheduled will be announced in due course.”
Before the match got underway, a minute’s applause was held for ex-Charlton players Billy Bonds and Marvin Hinton. Bonds died last weekend at the age of 79, prompting tributes from across the world of football.
Hinton, meanwhile, died earlier this week at the age of 85. He also played for Chelsea, making 344 appearances for the Blues and winning three trophies during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Charlton had already seen Lloyd Jones pick up a yellow card in the early stages of Saturday’s clash before the game was suspended.
The Addicks have been without a win in the Championship since last month’s narrow victory over West Bromwich Albion. They have since suffered defeats to Wrexham, Southampton, Stoke City and table-topping Coventry City.
Charlton were promoted to the second tier at the end of last season, coming through the League One play-offs.
They made a promising start to the campaign but are currently the lowest-placed team of the three promoted clubs.
Portsmouth, meanwhile, are facing a battle for Championship survival after winning just four of their opening 19 matches. Their recent form has left plenty to be desired with only one victory in their last five outings.
They secured an impressive triumph over Millwall last month but have since tasted defeat at the hands of Sheffield United and Bristol City.
Portsmouth are currently one point above the relegation zone, with Swansea City and Norwich City occupying the bottom three ahead of crisis club Sheffield Wednesday.
The Owls were recently docked six points for the second time this season, leaving them well adrift at the bottom of the table and all but confirming their impending relegation to League One.