Edinburgh Rugby pays tribute to fan who died following medical emergency in stadium stand
Edinburgh Rugby has paid tribute to a supporter who died after taking ill during a match on Friday.
Emergency services raced to help the supporter just before kick-off between Edinburgh and Ulster at Hive Stadium in Murrayfield on Friday, March 13.
Kick-off for the BKT United Rugby Championship match was delayed following the medical emergency.
It has now been confirmed that the supporter, who has not yet been identified, died minutes before half-time.
Douglas Struth, managing director at Edinburgh Rugby, confirmed the news in a club statement.
He said: “It is with great sadness that the club confirms the death of a supporter who suffered a medical emergency at Hive Stadium on Friday night, shortly before kick-off at our BKT URC match against Ulster.
“Despite the immediate and valiant efforts of first responders, the emergency services, and Edinburgh Rugby colleagues for the duration of the first half, that supporter sadly passed away at the stadium just before half-time.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Mr Struth also thanked other fans and the emergency services for their support during the incident. He said: “We would like to thank all involved, the emergency services, Ulster Rugby, and our supporters for their hard-work, patience and understanding on the night.
“We would particularly like to thank our supporters in the Main Stand who were asked to remain seated for a period in the first half while the emergency was attended to.
“Their patience was required to keep a clear concourse for emergency services and to respect the privacy of the individual involved.
“Once again, the thoughts of the entire Edinburgh Rugby community are with that supporter and their family. We would ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this time.”
Ulster also paid tribute, saying on social media: “Our deepest condolences to the supporter’s family and friends. Everyone at Ulster Rugby is thinking of the Edinburgh Rugby community at this difficult time.”
Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.
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