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Aston Villa match hit by medical emergency as stand is EVACUATED

02 May 2024 , 20:03
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The second half was delayed by several minutes as the situation was handled
The second half was delayed by several minutes as the situation was handled

A SECTION of Villa Park was evacuated after a fan suffered a cardiac arrest at half-time during Aston Villa's Europa Conference League defeat to Olympiacos.

An announcement was made as police rushed up to attend to the incident, with hundreds of fans moving to give emergency services and stewards access.

Part of the Holte End was cleared as police rushed to the scene eiqrkithiqzuprw
Part of the Holte End was cleared as police rushed to the scene
Supporters were urged to clear Lower L2 in the Holte End
Supporters were urged to clear Lower L2 in the Holte EndCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Ayoub El Kaabi slotted Olympiacos into the lead
Ayoub El Kaabi slotted Olympiacos into the leadCredit: Getty
El Kaabi then doubled the visitors' advantage in the 29th minute
El Kaabi then doubled the visitors' advantage in the 29th minuteCredit: Reuters

It said: "Could all supporters clear Holte Lower L2 and make sure the gangways are clear."

TNT Sports confirmed a fan, believed to be a man, had suffered a cardiac arrest and was being taken out to an ambulance by paramedics, who were applauded by both sets of fans.

The start of the second half was delayed by several minutes, before play resumed.

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There was no update on the condition of the fan last night, although some reports claimed they were conscious as they were taken away.

TNT Sports reporter Becky Ives joined the broadcast from pitchside, and said: "Unfortunately right on the stroke of half-time the medical emergency happened. I was down the tunnel and the emergency services moved very quickly."

Villa, who were being watched by avid fan Prince William, trailed 2-1 at half-time when the medical emergency occurred, before they ended up losing 4-2 in a huge blow to their Europa Conference League hopes.

Unai Emery's men are bidding to reach the semi-finals, but endured the worst possible start to the first leg as Olympiacos' Ayoub El-Kaabi scored twice before the half-hour mark.

Ollie Watkins pulled one back in stoppage time at the end of the first period.

Villa then levelled things up shortly after the break through Moussa Diaby, before Olympiacos regained the lead from the penalty spot as El Kaabi completed his hat-trick.

And Santiago Hezze gave the Greek visitors further breathing space midway through the second half to stun Villa Park.

Ollie Watkins pulled one back just before half-time
Ollie Watkins pulled one back just before half-timeCredit: Getty
The Prince of Wales celebrates at Villa Park, although this goal was disallowed
The Prince of Wales celebrates at Villa Park, although this goal was disallowed
Moussa Diaby levelled things up shortly after the break
Moussa Diaby levelled things up shortly after the breakCredit: PA
El Kaabi completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot
El Kaabi completed his hat-trick from the penalty spotCredit: Reuters
Santiago Hezze score Olympiacos' fourth of the evening
Santiago Hezze score Olympiacos' fourth of the eveningCredit: Getty

The winner of the tie will face Fiorentina or Club Brugge in the final on May 29.

Villa scraped into the last eight after beating Lille on penalties in the previous round.

But while winning the trophy would clinch Europa League football next season, Emery's men look set to secure Champions League qualification.

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Tottenham's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Thursday night leaves Villa seven points clear in fourth place in the Premier League having played just one game more.

Dylan Terry

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