Liverpool Football Club have confirmed the tragic news that a fan who was taken ill shortly before kick-off against Benfica on Wednesday night has since died.
A spokesperson for the Reds has already issued a statement on behalf of the club expressing their sorrow at the news. "First and foremost, the condolences and the thoughts of everyone at the club are with the supporter’s family, loved ones and friends," they said.
“We would like to thank the emergency services for their heroic efforts in providing urgent care and our appreciation to our medical professionals, stewards and all supporters in the vicinity of the incident for their assistance.”
While the specific cause of death currently remains unclear, it has been revealed that the supporter was in his 60's and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment but sadly died soon after. The Athletic report that the fan was taken to hospital in an ambulance that was already present at Anfield after being taken ill in the Kenny Dalglish Stand 20 minutes before the start of the game.
To ensure he arrived as soon as possible, Merseyside Police placed outriders around the emergency vehicle. The authorities have also released a statement of their own that read: “We can confirm that a man has sadly died after falling ill during the Liverpool vs Benfica football match last night, Wednesday 13 April, at Anfield.
“Prior to the game a man in his 60s was taken to hospital from the stadium for emergency treatment but sadly died a short time later. The man's next of kin have been informed. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the man’s family.”
Anfield was at full capacity as home fans attended to watch their side progress into the final four of European club football's most elite competition once again. Ibrahima Konate opened the scoring after nodding home from a corner, before his opener was cancelled out by Goncalo Ramos.
A brace from Roberto Firmino put the Reds firmly in the driving seat, especially considering their 3-1 advantage from the first-leg back in Portugal.- However, goals from Roman Yaremchuk and Darwin Nunez ensured Benfica gave the kind of performance they can come away proud of.
Klopp was pressed on whether he harboured any concerns over the fact his side conceded three at home, but he was in a notably buoyant mood. "The day when we qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League and I'm not happy, come here and knock me out - it would make no sense," he told BT Sport.
"We made seven changes for good reason, and played a really good first half where I liked a lot of things. But 3-1 up, the last line have never played together and it's about details. It's difficult to keep 100 per cent concentrated, the opposition will celebrate that they got a draw, a result here, but we didn't have the perfect mindset in that moment.
"Of course, it wasn't exactly what we wanted to do, but it's not important. Playing the best game of the season tonight or our whole time together, wouldn't have made it any more likely to get into the final. We played the game we played, we're through and that's all I wanted. I'm happy."
