Fan dies during Segunda División match in Spain
A Spanish second-tier football match was abandoned following the tragic collapse and subsequent death of a fan in the stands. The incident occurred during a match between Cueta and Almeria after just 18 minutes of play, reports BritPanorama.
The fan, a 73-year-old man, fell ill, prompting match officials to pause the game. Red Cross paramedics attended to him for approximately ten minutes, performing CPR before he was carried out of the Alfonso Murube Stadium on a stretcher and transported to the hospital.
Despite the efforts to revive him, it was later confirmed that he had passed away. Local media identified the deceased as Manolo Carreto, a former chief of police, which has added to the somber atmosphere surrounding the match.
The game was 1-0 in favour of Ceuta when play was halted. Following discussions between the clubs and match officials, the decision was made to abandon the match despite a goal from Almeria’s Adri Embarba equalizing shortly before halftime.
The news of the fan’s death was announced over the stadium’s public address system. Both clubs and the league issued statements acknowledging the tragedy, indicating that a new date would be arranged to complete the match. LaLiga expressed condolences to Carreto’s family, friends, and the entire AD Ceuta fanbase, stating on social media, “The match between @ADCeuta_FC and @U_D_Almeria has been suspended due to the tragic death of a fan at the Alfonso Murube Stadium.”
Ceuta expressed deep regret over the loss, conveying their support to Carreto’s family and friends. Almeria echoed these sentiments, highlighting the profound sadness felt across the football community following such an unfortunate event.
As football fans unite in remembrance, this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the close-knit nature of the sport and the impact a single life can have on the wider community. Even in moments of joy, the fragility of life casts a shadow, underscoring how the world of sports intertwines with our human experience.
