Oxford vs Portsmouth suspended due to medical emergency as players taken off pitch | Football | Sport

Oxford United‘s Championship clash with Portsmouth was suspended for 30 minutes due to a distressing medical emergency in the stands.

The ailing fan in question was later confirmed to be awake and breathing and has been taken to hospital in an ambulance. The players were taken off the pitch and back into the dressing rooms during the incident.

The two teams were only 15 minutes into the first half at The U’s Kassam Stadium before play was stopped.

Thames Valley Police Oxfordshire said on X (formerly Twitter): “We are currently assisting @SCAS999 and @oufcofficial with a medical emergency in the North Stand at the Kassam Stadium.

“We would ask those at the game to please not post any footage or images from the incident. The game against @pompey is currently suspended.”

After the game paused at 12.46pm, it resumed approximately half an hour later at 1.15pm. Oxford said on social media: “Thank you for your patience.

“We can confirm that the fan is breathing and receiving medical care, they will be transferred to hospital for further monitoring. Play will resume at 1:15PM.”

While Portsmouth posted: “Play is due to restart at 1.15pm at the Kassam Stadium. We send our very best wishes.”

The match was briefly taken off broadcast on Sky Sports’ red button before resuming after play got back underway.

Oxford’s match against Portsmouth pitted 16th against 18th in the Championship with Pompey trying to clamber clear of the relegation zone.

The game was goalless at the break when the half-time whistle was finally blown at 1.52pm – over an hour after the game originally kicked off at 12.30pm.

Only last month, a Portsmouth fan at Fratton Park died following a medical incident during their match against Middlesbrough.

Kick-off was delayed for 35 minutes on that occasion and Pompey later confirmed that the fan tragically died despite the assistance of the emergency services.

“We are devastated to report that a Pompey fan has died following a medical emergency at Fratton Park today,” they said in a statement.

“Despite the valiant attempts of the emergency services, the supporter unfortunately passed away,” the statement read.

“Next of kin are aware. Our sincere thoughts and condolences go out to the supporter’s family and loved ones at this sad time.”