Brighton confirm 72-year-old fan has passed away after being taken ill during clash with Fulham and pledge to support victim's family and affected supporters

According to Brighton's website, a 72-year-old supporter was taken unwell in the east stand upper during the second half of their 1-1 draw on Saturday. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services and club staff, the fan died. The Sussex outfit have expressed their condolences to the victim's family and pledged to help those affected.

Club CEO 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."

Brighton, whose staff placed privacy screens around the individual while the game was ongoing, said South East Coast Ambulance Service paramedics, St John’s Ambulance, Sussex Police, the club’s crowd doctor, and club stewards worked together to give the fan the best possible care, including prolonged CPR and the use of a defibrillator on the scene. 

Club doctor and emergency medicine consultant Dr Rob Galloway added: "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."

Brighton, who said the fan had the highest chance of survival by being treated at the stadium instead of 'creating furrther possible complications' by moving him to hospital, added that any staff or supporters affected by this can contact Samaritans, YoungMinds, or Shout.