Oxford’s clash with Portsmouth in the Championship was paused for thirty minutes due to a medical emergency in the crowd.
In the 15th minute at the Kassam Stadium, officials were made aware of the situation unfolding in the stands and called for a break in play.
The players were then taken from the field nine minutes later as medics continued to deal with the emergency.
At 1:10pm, Oxford United confirmed the fan was ‘breathing and receiving medical care’ ahead of being taken to hospital for further monitoring.
The match resumed five minutes later, with the game still scoreless.
Portsmouth wrote on X: “We send our very best wishes.”
The incident at the Kassam Stadium takes place less than a month after a Portsmouth fan tragically passed away having been taken ill at Fratton Park during a match against Middlesbrough.
Portsmouth and Middlesbrough’s fixture was due to kick off at 3pm on January 18.
However, kickoff was delayed as a result of the medical emergency.
Portsmouth later confirmed the worst possible outcome in a statement.
“Portsmouth Football Club are devastated to report that a Pompey fan has died following a medical emergency at Fratton Park today,” the statement read.
“The incident happened right at the start of the game, with the referee taking the players off the pitch to allow for treatment to be administered.
“Despite the valiant attempts of the emergency services, the supporter unfortunately passed away.
“Next of kin are aware. Our sincere thoughts and condolences go out to the supporter’s family and loved ones at this sad time.
“We are grateful to all the Pompey and Middlesbrough fans inside the stadium for the compassion, patience and understanding they showed in such distressing circumstances.”
Prior to Saturday’s fixture at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford sat 16th in the Championship while Portsmouth were in 18th, with just five points separating the two.
Oxford went into the fixture winless in their last four games, having scored just one goal in that period.
It was a marked contrast for the U’s given Gary Rowett won five of his first eight Championship fixtures in charge of the club.
As for Portsmouth, they hoped to pick up consecutive wins having beaten Cardiff City 2-1 in their last encounter.
The two teams could not be separated when they met on October 5 at Fratton Park, as the contest ended 1-1.
Mark O’Mahony scored just before the hour mark for Portsmouth, but Louie Sibley ensured Oxford would take a point home with his 72nd-minute strike.
