A football fan who collapsed at Sunderland AFC's match against Burton Albion was taken to hospital in a 'life-threatening condition'.
The medical emergency unfolded in the West stand at the Stadium of Light just before 8pm on Tuesday, causing play on the pitch to pause.
On Wednesday morning, police said the man was taken to hospital fighting for his life.
Go here for the very latest breaking news updates from across the North East
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "Police were in attendance at the Sunderland v Burton Albion match yesterday (Tuesday) when a man in the stands collapsed.
"At around 7.50pm, paramedics attended the scene and the man was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition.
"Police have been stood down from this incident and we wish the man a full recovery in the hands of medical professionals."
The medical emergency came to light around four minutes into SAFC's fixture against Burton Albion and play was resumed around 8.45pm - following a 52-minute break.
The players themselves remained on the pitch for around 10 minutes, before returning to the dressing rooms while treatment was ongoing.
A notice was also displayed on the scoreboards within the stadium, which informed those in attendance of the 'temporary suspension'.
Sunderland AFC also took to social media to update those following the fixture, posting: "There is a break in play due to a medical emergency in the stand.
"Everyone at #SAFC sends the supporter our very best wishes."
Four paramedics were promptly at the scene, as well as St John Ambulance colleagues and and an off-duty paramedic before the patient was taken to hospital for further treatment.
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “Our event cover team supporting tonight’s Sunderland match were alerted to a medical emergency in the crowd at 7.49pm.
"Four paramedics were on scene within 30 seconds alongside the crowd doctor, St John Ambulance colleagues and an off-duty paramedic who also stopped to help.
"The patient was transported to hospital for further treatment.”
This is the third emergency which has taken place in the stands at a North East related football match in a mere matter of months - with paramedics being called to an incident at NUFC in October 2021, and just last month crews also dealing with a situation at a Middlesbrough fixture away from home.
