WEYMOUTH’S non-league clash with Yeovil has been abandoned due to a fan emergency in the crowd.
An air ambulance landed on the pitch to assist the supporter.
The match was initially halted in the 75th minute after an emergency in the crowd became apparent.
Players were taken off the pitch, with an air ambulance helicopter subsequently landing on the field at Bob Lucas Stadium.
Weymouth tweeted: “We can confirm that play is currently suspended due to a medical emergency in the away-fan section.”
While Yeovil wrote on social media: “Both teams have left the field of play due an incident in the stands.”
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Around 45 minutes later, after the helicopter left the scene, both clubs confirmed that the match had been abandoned.
Weymouth wrote on social media: “Due to the medical emergency that took place in the stadium this afternoon, we can confirm that today’s game has been abandoned.
“Our thoughts go out to the casualty and their loved ones.”
The match had been due to kick-off at 1pm, but was delayed to 1:15pm at short notice.
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A big crowd congregated for the Easter Monday clash, with Weymouth confirming an attendance of 4,712.
Dan Roberts had given Weymouth the lead on 32 minutes.
The home side were leading 1-0 when the match was abandoned.
After the game was called off, Weymouth chairman Paul Maitland updated fans in a video statement.
He said: “Unfortunately late in the game there was a medical emergency that’s required an air ambulance to attend the game and of course for the game to be halted while that person received medical treatment.
“That person is now on the way to hospital. Because of the length of time that was involved the referee deemed that the game needed to be abandoned at that point.
“The club has already been in contact with the National League, who we’re already corresponding with right now on the phone to understand what happens next.”
Yeovil, meanwhile, tweeted: “More than just a game.
“Everyone at Yeovil Town Football Club sends their best wishes to the individual, their friends and family.”
Paul Maitland’s statement in full
Weymouth’s chairman updated fans after the match was abandoned
“Unfortunately late in the game there was a medical emergency that’s required an air ambulance to attend the game and of course for the game to be halted while that person received medical treatment.
“That person is now on the way to hospital. Because of the length of time that was involved the referee deemed that the game needed to be abandoned at that point.
“The club has already been in contact with the National League, who we’re already corresponding with right now on the phone to understand what happens next.
“Obviously it’s not a situation we’re used to. So at the moment the game has been abandoned. Whether the game has to be replayed, or whether the result stands or what action comes next will be deemed by the National League and the National League board.
“And I’m guessing because of the point of the season that we are, that decision will be made quite promptly.
“As soon as we know where we stand, we will obviously make a further statement to supporters and keep them abreast of the situation.
“But as of now we don’t know and as a club what I would like to do at this point is offer our best wishes to the person that unfortunately fell ill at today’s game and wish them a speedy recovery.
“And apologise to those that have been affected by the events of today’s game. It’s one of those circumstances that you just have to deal with.
“We wish them well, and thank both sets of supporters for the way that they handled themselves in leaving the game ad accepting the situation.
“It’s very unfortunate, but sometimes things happen that are bigger than the game of football and, as I say, that person’s welfare if higher importance to anybody than a game of football at the moment.
“Thank you again for your wonderful support today.”
Fans were quick to send their best wishes to the supporter receiving treatment.
One wrote on social media: “Thoughts and Prayers for the supporter.”
While a second wrote: “Thoughts with the fan. Hope they will be okay.”
And a third added: “Hope the person/s is okay and makes a full recovery.”
Earlier this season Leyton Orient’s match against Lincoln was abandoned in the 88th minute due to a medical emergency in the crowd.
The match was later rescheduled and played again, despite the O’s having led in the closing stages of the initial match-up.
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Mansfield’s League Two match against Accrington was postponed earlier today due to a waterlogged pitch.
The decision was announced just 90 minutes before the game had been due to kick off.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
