A match featuring Scotland stars was delayed this afternoon – after a medical emergency took place in the crowd. Scotland internationalists Ben Doak and Matt Ritchie were delayed by 30 minutes due to the incident.
Liverpool winger Doak is on loan at Middlesbrough who were taking on Ritchie’s Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Boro also boast Scotland striker Tommy Conway in their ranks, while Scots Tom McIntyre and Jordan Archer are on the home side’s bench.
Seconds after kick-off in the English Championship match, the referee paused the game amid the situation in the home section of the stands, The Mirror reports.
The players returned to the dressing rooms while medical treatment was administered. Portsmouth posted on X: “There’s been a delay to kick-off at Fratton Park due to a medical emergency in the crowd.”
After a delay of more than 30 minutes, they then said: “The game is due to start at 3.35pm. Our thoughts are with the supporter who is receiving medical attention.”
Middlesbrough added: “Today’s game has been delayed until 3.35pm due to a medical emergency in the home section of the crowd. Sending all of our thoughts and best wishes to the individual concerned.”
The match is a crucial one for both sides at opposite ends of the Championship table. Portsmouth are marooned in the bottom three, sitting second from bottom and two points from safety.
Middlesbrough, meanwhile, have designs on a return to the Premier League. They sit in sixth, the final playoff position, under former Manchester United and England midfielder Michael Carrick.
The Teesside outfit have been out of the top flight since their relegation in 2017, having had two failed playoff campaigns in the years since.
Portsmouth, meanwhile, have steadily risen back up the leagues after financial despair saw them fall to the fourth tier. They were promoted back to the Championship as champions of League One last term, their first season back in the second tier since 2012.
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