The family of a Linfield fan who took ill at Friday night's Irish Cup clash at the Oval have hailed Glentoran goalkeeper Daniel Gyollai as a "hero".

Andrew Matchett suffered a cardiac-related incident while attending the sixth-round clash, with the match having to be paused as he received treatment.

Glens star Gyollai was one of the first to react, grabbing a defibrillator at the stadium and running up to the away stand to assist medical staff who attended to Andrew, who has been a club steward at Linfield for many years.

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His son Andy Jnr says his father is "doing well and back on his feet" and thanked everyone who helped on the night.

"We really did appreciate the help of everyone and to see and hear of big Dan leaving the pitch with the defibrillator to come to my dad's aid is something I will never forget," Andy told Belfast Live.

"Honestly, the sportsmanship he showed to a rival team's supporter has to be commended. He has become a hero to myself and my family I can't thank him enough.

"So many people reacted on the night, and I would like to thank everyone who attended to my dad at the game. The quick-thinking actions of everyone, including the Glentoran goalkeeper, just might have saved my dad's life.

"Dad is doing well and in a stable condition. He's back on his feet again. So a massive thanks to the medical team and all who worked with him.

"I wasn't at the game myself but was watching it at home not knowing it was my dad being attended to so I'm grateful to everyone."

Friday night's incident came one week after a Linfield ballboy was praised for his quick-thinking in helping a Cliftonville fan who needed medical attention during an Irish Premiership game at Windsor Park.

Andy Jnr says the support his father received at the Oval once again proved that football rivalry can be cast aside to help those in need.

"Both sets of supporters came together in wishing my dad well. My dad's a massive Linfield fan and is a club steward so to hear of a rival goalkeeper from Glentoran rushing from the pitch and into the stand to his aid just shows that rivalry is put to the side," he added.

"I'm just grateful my dad was in good hands and hopefully it won't be to long to he is back out there supporting the team he loves."

Andy Jnr added: "I must also thank all the supporters from other Irish League clubs who have sent us messages. I have been inundated with well-wishing messages from fans of all clubs.

"That means the world to the family and we thank them all."

Glentoran also praised goalkeeper Gyollai for assisting Andrew on Friday night.

The club said on social media: "It's been well publicised that goalkeeper Daniel Gyollai acted fast to help the medical team transport important equipment as quickly as possible to the Linfield fan who required assistance during a medical emergency during yesterday's game.

"We have received several messages of gratitude for Dan's quick thinking and selfless act during a time of need from the supporters family. We're glad to hear he is in a stable condition and making a recovery. Very proud of our number 1."

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