Match abandoned as fans run onto pitch to stop game as fan tragically dies
Leyton Orient have paid tribute to supporter Derek Reynolds, who died after being taken unwell towards the end of the League One match against Lincoln on Tuesday night.
The League One match was abandoned after 82 minutes due to a medical emergency suffered Reynolds in the stands. Fans ran on the pitch towards referee Stephen Martin to draw attention to the fact that a member of the public needed medical attention in the East Stand. The game then continued for less than a minute before around 20 fans sat down on the pitch at the home end to alert the referee to the continuing medical emergency and the game was halted.
With the paramedics appearing to give the individual CPR on the side of the pitch, the referee took the teams off the field. The match was abandoned an hour after the initial stoppage occurred. and as the fans left the ground, the medical teams were still attending to the patient.
The home side were leading 1-0 when the game was stopped. Leyton Orient said on Twitter : "The game is paused due to a crowd emergency. We're keeping everything crossed for those involved, and will update with further information when we have it."
The club then added: "The players are now being taken off the field of play.
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"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Leyton Orient are with everyone involved. We will update further when we have more information."
The club announced that the game would not resume at 10.25pm, saying: "This evening’s match will not be restarted due to the ongoing medical emergency in the East Stand. All of our hopes are prayers are with the supporter and his loved ones at this incredibly distressing time."
Joe Piggott had given Orient the lead (Getty Images)On Wednesday afternoon, Orient revealed plans to pay tribute to Reynolds at Saturday’s home game against Reading, with his family invited as guests of the club. A book of condolence will be available for supporters in the East Stand to sign on Saturday, and then afterwards for all fans in West Stand reception.
“Leyton Orient Football Club is devastated to confirm that supporter Derek Reynolds has passed away,” a club statement read.
“Derek, 74, became unwell at Brisbane Road during Tuesday evening’s league fixture against Lincoln City. Despite the best efforts of Derek’s fellow supporters and medical professionals from the club’s on-site paramedics and doctors, Lincoln City and the London Ambulance Service, he sadly lost his life.
“Derek was a lifelong O’s supporter and he lived in Osbourne Road, a short walk from the ground, for many years. As well as being a lifelong fan, Derek was heavily involved in the club and managed the club’s tannoy system during the 1990s.
“The club will be paying tribute to Derek at Saturday’s home fixture against Reading and his family have been invited to the game as guests of the club. We would, once again, like to thank Derek’s fellow supporters for the way in which they conducted themselves on Tuesday night and acted to try and help the situation.”
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