Two separate Premier League matches were momentarily halted on Wednesday following medical emergencies involving fans in the stands.
The matches between Watford vs Chelsea and Southampton vs Leicester City both saw incidents in the stands leading to the halt of play, although each will eventually resume.
This is the second and third instance of a fan emergency forcing officials to suspend a game this season. In the match between Newcastle and Tottenham in October, the game was temporarily stopped at St James’ Park due to a fan being treated in the stands.
In that case, the fan was stabilized and taken to the hospital, then the game restarted after 20 minutes.
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Watford vs. Chelsea emergency
A fan is stable and hospitalized after suffering a cardiac arrest at Vicarage Road. The match was stopped after 13 minutes of play while fans in the stands were treated.
Both groups of players have been moved to their dressing rooms due to medical emergencies. The match was postponed for about 30 minutes, before resuming after news that the fan had been taken to the hospital.
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Several players and fans informed the referee and medical officials of a developing incident in the stands, which resulted in the stoppage of play.
After a short delay, the fan was carried on a stretcher, with the announcement on Twitter that the Watford fan was stable.
The players have returned to the field to prepare to play again.
Our thoughts are with the fans – who went into cardiac arrest but are now stable – and all those affected.
Thank you to the medical staff, players and fans for their quick response. 💛 pic.twitter.com/wa3QfyF0Em
– Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) December 1, 2021
Southampton vs Leicester City Emergency
It was a similar story at St.
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The scene also shows managers and emergency personnel deployed into the crowd, personal care is mentioned.
No additional information on the fan’s status has been provided.
Second half start time here at St Mary’s was delayed due to a ‘medical incident’ in the crowd.
Flight attendants and emergency personnel were present at the Kingsland stands. Individuals are being watched and moved out of the stands when home supporters clapped.#S PaintFC 2-1 #LCFC #SOULEI
– Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) December 1, 2021
The start of the second half will be postponed due to a medical emergency in the stands.#SouLei
– Leicester City (@LCFC) December 1, 2021
