Leyton Orient have confirmed 74-year-old fan Derek Reynolds passed away during their League One game against Lincoln on Tuesday.
Reynolds suffered a cardiac arrest at Brisbane Road. The match was abandoned.
A statement from Leyton Orient on Wednesday said: “Leyton Orient Football Club is devastated to confirm that supporter Derek Reynolds has passed away.
“Derek, 74, became unwell at Brisbane Road during Tuesday evening’s league fixture against Lincoln City.
“Despite the best efforts of Derek’s fellow supporters and medical professionals from the club’s on-site paramedics and doctors, Lincoln City and the London Ambulance Service, he sadly lost his life.
Leyton Orient Football Club is devastated to confirm that the supporter who was taken ill at Tuesday's game against Lincoln City has sadly passed away.
— Leyton Orient FC (@leytonorientfc) October 4, 2023
Rest in peace, Derek ❤️
“Derek was a life-long O’s supporter and he lived in Osbourne Road, a short walk from the ground for many years. As well as being a lifelong fan, Derek was heavily involved in the club and managed the club’s tannoy system during the 1990s.
“The club will be paying tribute to Derek at Saturday’s home fixture against Reading and his family have been invited to the game as guests of the club.
“A book of condolence will be available for supporters in the East Stand to sign on Saturday and it will then be available for all fans in West Stand reception thereafter.
“We would, once again, like to thank Derek’s fellow supporters for the way in which they conducted themselves on Tuesday night and acted to try and help the situation.”
Orient face a wait to learn if their abandoned match against Lincoln City will be rescheduled, or whether they will be awarded the win. Orient were leading 1-0 when the game was stopped after 82 minutes.
The match initially kept going for a few minutes while the fan was being treated, before one supporter ran on to try to alert referee Stephen Martin. Play then continued until around 20 Orient supporters sat on the pitch as CPR continued on the fan, and play was finally halted.
The decision to abandon the game was announced at 10.25pm, almost an hour after the match was paused.
An EFL statement said: “In accordance with EFL regulations, a determination will now be made by the EFL as to whether the fixture will be rescheduled, or if the result at the time of the abandonment will stand. A decision will be taken only after consultation with both clubs.”
