The football game between Bolton and Cheltenham in League One was called off on Saturday due to a fan experiencing a possible heart attack and requiring extensive medical attention in the stands.
The game was paused at a score of 0-0 during the 29th minute due to medical staff being called to the East Stand. The referee, Sunny Singh Gill, stopped the match and had the players leave the field.
Crowd members moved away from the vicinity to give space for the CPR team to work. The individual being treated was transported from the stairs to the field on a stretcher after 20 minutes of treatment. They were then taken off the field and brought to the stadium’s first aid room, before being transferred to the hospital via ambulance.
Following discussions between the two managers, clubs, and match officials, it was determined that the match should be terminated thirty minutes after it was paused due to a fan being in a “critical condition”. The decision to end the match was met with applause from those present. Bolton shared on X: “We regret to inform that today’s game has been postponed due to a medical emergency in the crowd. Our thoughts are with the affected family.”
The club released a statement saying that the supporter was brought to the hospital and that the team’s thoughts are with him and his family. More information about the supporter’s condition will be provided later. Information about a new date for the match and ticket refunds or arrangements will be announced at a later time.
This is the second occurrence this season where a League One game had to be cancelled for this cause. The Leyton Orient vs Lincoln match was halted at the 82nd minute due to a spectator requiring CPR in the stands. In order to receive medical assistance for the individual in the stands, fans rushed onto the field to stop the game.
Source: theguardian.com
