The second half of Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League semi-final first leg was delayed after a fan at Villa Park suffered a cardiac arrest. Unai Emery’s side trailed their Greek opponents 2-1 at the break and had to wait in the tunnel until the referee was given the green light to restart play. Players warmed up in the tunnel after medics had rushed to the scene in the Holte End, with a delay in proceedings before the second half got underway.
TNT Sport claim that the incident took place just on the half-time whistle and nearby supporters were removed from the area. As medics walked down the Holte End stairs with the person who suffered the cardiac arrest, both sets of fans applauded and the public announcer added: “We’d like to thank the medical staff for their prompt assistance this evening.” TNT Sports reporter Becky Ives then explained the situation further while pitchside.
“Unfortunately right on the stroke of half-time the medical emergency happened,” she said. “I was down the tunnel and the emergency services moved very quickly. “They moved quickly to remove fans from the lower tier of the Holte End on the left hand side.
There have been quite a few discussions going on as to how long the game will have to be halted for as the fan is moved into the waiting ambulance. Obviously we wish the fan all our good wishes.” Aston Villa endured a tough night against Olympiacos, with the Greek side enjoying a surprise lead at half-time before eventually winning the match.