World

Northern Ireland fan collapses and dies during match in France

The pitch prior to Northern Ireland's UEFA Euro 2016, Group C match at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon. Picture by Jonathan Brady, Press Association<br />&nbsp;
The pitch prior to Northern Ireland's UEFA Euro 2016, Group C match at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon. Picture by Jonathan Brady, Press Association
 
The pitch prior to Northern Ireland's UEFA Euro 2016, Group C match at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon. Picture by Jonathan Brady, Press Association
 

A NORTHERN Ireland football fan has collapsed and died during the European Championship in Lyon, the PSNI has said.

The man, who was 62 and from Belfast, collapsed in the upper part of the ground and was treated by paramedics but they were unable to revive him.

It is understood the man suffered a heart attack.

It happened during the game against Ukraine on Thursday, which Northern Ireland won 2-0.

Superintendent Nigel Goddard said: "Our thoughts are tragically with a second family this week mourning the devastating loss of their loved one.

"We understand the man aged in his sixties collapsed during the game and was attended to by emergency services in the Stade de Lyon.

"It is extremely sad that this is the second death of a Northern Ireland fan in France during the Euro 2016 games."

On Monday Darren Rodgers (24) from Ballymena, fell eight metres off a promenade in the south coast city of Nice and died.

Fans applauded his memory in tribute during the 24th minute of Thursday night's match.

Mr Goddard said the Service had been liaising with French authorities and local PSNI officers have been in touch with the man's family in Belfast.

Flags, shirts and scarves have been left at the ground in tribute to the dead man.

A paramedic who treated him said: "We tried but we could not. It is very sad."

The Olympique Lyonnais ground was packed with Northern Ireland supporters who have travelled to France in their droves for Northern Ireland's first major tournament in 30 years.

An Irish Football Association statement said it was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death.

Chief executive Patrick Nelson said: "The fan passed away as he was watching the game in the stadium. This puts any result of a football match into perspective.

"The thoughts of the board, management, players and staff are with his family and friends at this sad time."