A man has died following a medical incident which delayed the start of Middlesbrough’s away tie against Portsmouth on Saturday (January 18).

The 3pm kick-off was delayed and the players taken off the pitch seconds after kick off when the referee was alerted to the incident.

The teams returned from the dressing rooms at Fratton Park and play resumed at 3.35pm, with Michael Carrick’s side losing 2-1 to their south coast hosts.

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Portsmouth FC confirmed the fan involved had sadly died.

In a statement the club said: “Portsmouth Football Club are devastated to report that a Pompey fan has died following a medical emergency at Fratton Park today.

"The incident happened right at the start of the game, with the referee taking the players off the pitch to allow for treatment to be administered.

"Despite the valiant attempts of the emergency services, the supporter unfortunately passed away.

"Next of kin are aware. Our sincere thoughts and condolences go out to the supporter’s family and loved ones at this sad time.

"We are grateful to all the Pompey and Middlesbrough fans inside the stadium for the compassion, patience and understanding they showed in such distressing circumstances."

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Middlesbrough FC added: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the supporter who passed away following a medical emergency at our game at Portsmouth today.”

When play restarted the home side put two goals past Middlesbrough who dropped out of the Championship play-off places.