Aston Villa fan suffers cardiac arrest at half-time of Conference League semi-final against Olympiacos – with second half of match delayed
- A fan suffered a cardiac arrest just before half-time at Villa Park on Thursday.
- The second half of the match was delayed by the arrival of emergency services.
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The second half of Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League semi-final against Olympiacos was delayed after a fan suffered a cardiac arrest just before half-time.
Fans were evacuated from the lower level of the Holte End as emergency services rushed to the scene to provide treatment.
Supporters quickly dispersed from the area as paramedics worked around the clock to help the person who had suffered a medical emergency.
Members of the home public were ordered over the public address system to evacuate the area as quickly as possible, while both sets of players were already back in their respective dressing rooms.
The announcement read: “Would all supporters please clear Holte Lower L2 and ensure the walkways are clear.”
Fans were kept away from the Holte End as emergency services rushed to the scene at Villa Park.
The players were delayed exiting the Villa Park tunnel while emergency services dealt with the struggling supporter.
The second half of Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League semi-final against Olympiacos was delayed after a fan suffered a cardiac arrest
A black screen was held up by members of the emergency services as they tried to shield the individual from view of the thousands of people inside the stadium.
An ambulance was quickly prepared to take the fan to hospital as emotional fans watched the tragic scenes unfold inside the ground.
They were then carried to the ambulance as fans of both teams showed their support by clapping.
The players tried to warm up by kicking the ball inside the tunnel while they were momentarily prevented from going out onto the field.
An announcement was made asking fans to evacuate parts of Holte End.
Aston Villa trailed 2-1 before half-time after being stunned by Olympiacos.
The visitors took further control in the second half when Olympiacos striker Ayoub El Kaabi completed his hat-trick.
The second half was delayed for a few minutes as Villa and Olympiacos players waited anxiously inside the tunnel before later emerging.
Cardiac arrest usually occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops pumping.
The second half started later as Aston Villa scored a goal through Ollie Watkins to reduce the deficit to 2-1 before the interval.
Moussa Diaby equalized early in the second half before the visitors responded with two quick goals to take control of the semi-final.
