A Portsmouth fan has died after a medical emergency at the start of a championship game saw players taken off the pitch. Kick-off was delayed by 35 minutes in the club's home match against Middlesbrough at Fratton Park on Saturday.

A Portsmouth fan died at Fratton Park following a medical emergency ahead of the club's Championship game against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

A club statement 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.

Middlesbrough’s away game at Portsmouth has been delayed due to a medical emergency in the crowd. The 3pm kick-off between Michael Carrick’s side and home team Pompey had to be delayed due to an incident in the home stands at Fratton Park.