Oxford v Portsmouth suspended after medical emergency as match taken off TV

Oxford United and Portsmouth had played just 15 minutes of their Championship game on Saturday when a medical emergency ocurred in the stands, with both sets of players taken off the pitch while staff attended to the situation

Oxford’s Championship match against Portsmouth was suspended on Saturday after a medical emergency in the stands, with both sets of players taken off the pitch.

The club confirmed the news with a brief statement on Twitter just 15 minutes into the game at the Kassam Stadium as they wrote: “The players have now left the field whilst we deal with the medical emergency.”

Oxford shared a positive update confirming that the supporter in question was breathing. Both clubs also posted that play would resume at 1.15pm.

The game had initially been taken off broadcast on Sky’s red button while the incident was ongoing, but is now available once again after play got back underway.

“Thank you for your patience,” the U’s posted on their official X account. “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.”

It comes just a month after Portsmouth’s game against Middlesbrough at Fratton Park was suspended right at the start of the game due to a medical emergency, with kick-off delayed by 35 minutes.

Sadly, Portsmouth confirmed the supporter in question had passed away after emergency services arrived at the scene to treat him.

“We are devastated to report that a Pompey fan has died following a medical emergency at Fratton Park today,” the club wrote.

“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.”

It went on to praise both Portsmouth and Middlesbrough fans for the “compassion, patience and understanding they showed in such distressing circumstances”.

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