A Fulham supporter has died after suffering a cardiac arrest at Craven Cottage during a Championship match on Saturday afternoon.
Just under 15 minutes of the match between Fulham and Blackpool had been played when referee Peter Bankes halted proceedings, as stewards attended an incident in the Hammersmith End.
Medical staff from both teams assisted the paramedics on the scene, with the two teams taken off the pitch as the supporters continued to received attention.
The match got back underway about 40 minutes after it was stopped, when Fulham confirmed that the fan had been transferred to hospital. However, the club later announced that the fan, named as Paul Parish, has since passed away.
A Fulham statement said: “It is with immense sadness that we inform fans of the passing of supporter, Paul Parish.
Paul suffered a cardiac arrest and received treatment in the Hammersmith Stand at this afternoon’s match before being transferred to the hospital. He sadly passed away this evening.
Our condolences and the thoughts of everyone at Fulham Football Club go out to Paul’s family, friends and loved ones.
The family would like to thank the fans of Fulham and Blackpool for the respect and care they showed as well as all staff at Craven Cottage and at the hospital for their assistance, care and attention.
Rest in Peace Paul.”
To all those who witnessed and may be struggling with what they saw…don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to someone. Reach out to me, to your loved ones, to anyone. You are not alone and others will be or have felt what you are feeling.
— Tim Ream (@timream5) January 29, 2022
Fulham centre-back Tim Ream was playing in the match, and he urged fans who were affected by the incident to speak out if they needed help.
“To all those who witnessed and may be struggling with what they saw…don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to someone,” Ream tweeted.
“Reach out to me, to your loved ones, to anyone. You are not alone and others will be or have felt what you are feeling.”
