A 72-year-old Brighton supporter died after the club’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday. The fan, who left the Amex to board a supporters’ club bus, was taken seriously ill and emergency services were unable to save him.
Incident
After the match, the supporter felt unwell as he was leaving the stadium to board a supporters’ club bus in the coach park. South East Coast Ambulance Service paramedics, St John’s Ambulance, Sussex Police, MB Medical Solutions, the club’s crowd doctor and stewards worked together to provide care, including prolonged CPR on the scene. Despite their best efforts, the medical team could not revive him.
Club Response
In a statement, Brighton & Hove Albion confirmed the death and expressed deep sorrow. “What should have been an ordinary and happy journey home ended in heartbreaking circumstances, and we are all shocked and saddened by the loss of one of our supporters,” said CEO Paul Barber. The club extended sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
Repeated Tragedy
This incident marks the second year in a row that a man has died after attending Brighton’s opening game of the season. The club and emergency services have reiterated their commitment to supporter safety and will review protocols following the tragedy.
The match itself saw Brighton secure an emphatic start to their Premier League campaign, hammering Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side 4-0. The victory was a bright moment for the Seagulls, but the loss of a supporter has cast a shadow over the celebrations.
The club’s statement highlighted the collaborative effort of emergency services and club staff, underscoring the seriousness of the situation and the dedication of those involved in attempting to save the fan’s life.
