72-year-old Brighton fan dies while leaving stadium after Villa game
August 23, 2026 9:19 pm
A 72-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion supporter has died after becoming unwell while leaving the stadium following the club’s match against Aston Villa.
The supporter took ill as he was making his way to a supporters’ club bus in the coach park after the game.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services and club staff, the medical team was unable to save him.
South East Coast Ambulance Service paramedics, St John Ambulance, Sussex Police, MB Medical Solutions, the club’s crowd doctor and stewards all responded to the incident.
The man received prolonged CPR at the scene as emergency responders worked to save his life.
In a post on the club’s X handle on Sunday, Brighton chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber said the club was “shocked and saddened” by the supporter’s death.
“What should have been an ordinary and happy journey home ended in heartbreaking circumstances, and we are all shocked and saddened by the loss of one of our supporters,” Barber said.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the gentleman’s family and friends.”
The club also paid tribute to those who responded to the medical emergency, with emergency services and stadium staff working together to provide the supporter with the best possible care.
The death has cast a shadow over what should have been a routine journey home for the lifelong football supporter.
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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