Millwall vs Sunderland suspended as players taken off pitch after medical emergency | Football | Sport

Millwall and Sunderland’s Championship clash was suspended on Saturday afternoon due to a medical emergency in the stands at The Den. Players stopped the game in the 41st minute and called on medical staff to treat the supporter following cries for help from fellow fans in the same section.

Referee John Busby led the players into the dressing rooms in first-half stoppage time after they had been waiting in the technical area during the incident.

Play didn’t resume for around half an hour before both sides re-emerged to play the final five first-half minutes and the second half in south-east London.

Millwall right-back Ryan Leonard noticed the commotion in the crowd as he collected the ball for a throw-in before gesturing for medical support.

The ill supporter, who was situated in The Dockers Stand, was later taken away on a stretcher by paramedics.

Millwall posted on X: “The players have left the pitch following a medical emergency in the crowd. We send our best wishes to those receiving attention.”

Sky Sports News reported that there was a second emergency behind the dugout, which was quickly addressed by medical personnel.

Supporters took to social media to send both individuals affected their well wishes during the 30-minute stoppage.

@SAFC_Freddie wrote: “Hope all ends up well. Never want to see this.”

@andrew_allon added: “Speedy recovery to the Millwall fan facing an emergency. Good health counts for much more than football.”

@Vinlad84 said: “Happening far too often now this. Not good. Hope they’re ok.”

@petercrann79 posted: “Hope the Millwall fan is ok and makes a full recovery. Surely two/three minutes of injury time won’t be missed to make sure that the medical emergency is dealt with properly.”

Both sets of players were back on the pitch conducting warm-ups 25 minutes later before the match resumed.

Millwall were two points adrift of the Championship play-off places ahead of kick-off, while Sunderland had the opportunity to return to the league summit by avoiding defeat.

Aaron Connolly fired the visitors ahead in the 10th minute, leapfrogging Sheffield United after the Blades dropped points in a 2-2 draw against Coventry City earlier in the day.

Sunderland travelled to The Den looking to end a frustrating three-match run of draws against a home team in strong form, winning four of their last five matches in a seven-game unbeaten run.

The Black Cats’ upcoming fixtures don’t get easier, with West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United next up for Regis Le Bris’ side.