Sunderland game paused due to medical emergency as fan 'stretchered from the stands'

Sunderland’s away tie against Millwall was paused on Saturday (November 23) after a medical emergency in the stands.

The Championship clash between the Black Cats and Millwall at the latter’s London home The Den was suspended shortly before the end of the first half when fans managed to alert players and the referee of the incident.

The game was stopped in the 41st minute with both teams being escorted off the pitch while paramedics made their way to the unwell fan.

Fans gestured to players and officials to stop the game. (Image: PA) It is understood the fan was a Millwall supporter in the Dockers Stand at the The Den, and they were taken away on a stretcher.

The London Ambulance Service confirmed the male fan has since been taken to hospital.

The teams were off the field for about 30 minutes before returning to the pitch to play the last few minutes of the first half.

The players left the pitch while paramedics dealt with the incident. (Image: PA)

The BBC reported a second medical incident behind the dugout during the stoppage with medical staff from both teams rushing to help.

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Sunderland AFC said in a post on X (formerly Twitter): "SAFC send their best wishes to those who received medical attention."

Sunderland were 1-0 up when the incident forced a stoppage in place after Connolly put Régis Le Bris’s side ahead. The Wearside team sit second in the Championship, a point behind Sheffield Wednesday, after a strong start to their season.

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called to reports of a person unwell at the ground. We sent an ambulance crew and took a man to hospital."