Charlton Athletic’s match against Portsmouth was called off due to a medical emergency in the stands, with players from both groups initially removed from the pitch. Both teams entered the match at The Valley looking to get back to winning ways and move up in the championship standings. However, play was stopped after just 12 minutes due to a medical incident at the covered end.
A medical team rushed to the aid worker’s aid, where he received treatment for several minutes. Eventually, the players were asked to leave the pitch due to the horrific scenes in the crowd. Treatment continued for another four minutes, and Phan was taken away on a stretcher by paramedics.
The match was ultimately called off, with Charlton posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Thank you for your patience and understanding. The entire club wishes to pray for the affected supporters and thank the medical team and first responders. Information on rescheduling the match will be announced in due course.”
Before the match began, former Charlton players Billy Bonds and Marvin Hinton were given a minute’s applause. Bonds passed away last weekend at the age of 79, prompting tributes from across the football world.
Meanwhile, Hinton passed away earlier this week at the age of 85. He also played for Chelsea, making 344 appearances and winning three trophies for the Blues during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Charlton had already seen Lloyd Jones receive a yellow card early in Saturday’s game before the game was suspended.
The Addicks have not won in the Championship since a narrow win against West Bromwich Albion last month. Since then they have suffered defeats to Wrexham, Southampton, Stoke City and leaders Coventry City.
Charlton made it through the League One play-offs at the end of last season and were promoted to the Second Division.
Despite a good start to the season, they are currently the lowest of the three promoted clubs.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth have won just four of their opening 19 games and face a battle to remain in the Championship. Their recent form has left something to be desired, with just one win in their last five games.
They enjoyed a fine win against Millwall last month but have since suffered defeats at the hands of Sheffield United and Bristol City.
Portsmouth currently sit one point above the relegation zone, with Swansea City and Norwich City occupying the bottom three, ahead of crisis-hit club Sheffield Wednesday.
The Owls recently picked up six points for the second time this season, leaving them well-placed at the bottom of the table and all but certain of their impending relegation to League One.
