Championship game suspended and players off pitch after ‘medical emergency’

Portsmouth and Middlesbrough players have been taken off the pitch in their Championship clash due to a medical emergency in the crowd.

The Championship game was halted within seconds of kick-off due to worrying scenes in the stands.

Portsmouth’s official X account said: “There’s been a delay to kick-off at Fratton Park due to a medical emergency in the crowd.”

Reporting live from Fratton Park, Sky Sports journalist James Savundra said: "Really concerning scenes. Referee Gavin Ward blew his whistle to start the game but just seconds after that blew his whistle again because of a medical emergency in the crowd near the halfway line."

Middlesbrough also posted on social media, saying: "The start to today's game has been delayed due to an apparent medical incident in the home section of the crowd. We will update in due course."

As reported by TeesideLive, the supporter who was taken ill was stretchered away to receive further medical attention.

Portsmouth since posted that the match is scheduled to get underway again following a half-hour delay, adding: "The game is due to start at 3.35pm. Our thoughts are with the supporter who is receiving medical attention."

After the match had restarted, Savundra told Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday: "The players warmed up at 25 past 3, and the game actually commenced at 3:35."

The game was due to kick-off at 3pm with the hosts looking to upset the form book. Portsmouth entered the game in 23rd place – three points off safety and with two games in hand.

Middlesbrough arrived on the south coast in contrasting form, with Michael Carrick’s side undefeated in their last six games in all competitions. Boro kicked-off in 6th place – 12 points behind Burnley in 2nd after their draw against Sunderland on Friday night.