Family of supporter taken ill at St James Park give update on condition

The son of the supporter who was taken ill at St James’ Park on Sunday has revealed that his father is now fully alert and making great progress.

The Newcastle fan suffered a cardiac arrest in the later stages of the first half and Sergio Reguilon was the first player to alert referee Andre Marriner to the commotion in the stands.

Eric Dier then quickly ran to the dugout to call for the medical team to get a defibrillator to the other corner of the ground where the fan had collapsed.

The game was temporarily suspended and eventually resumed when it was confirmed the fan had become stable after receiving treatment. 

Reports later confirmed that the patient, who was administered CPR before being taken to hospital, was “doing well” following treatment.

Newcastle have now identified the fan as Alan George Smith, 80, and shared a message sent by Mr Smith’s son, Paul, confirming that he is now on the road to recovery.

Paul said (via Newcastle’s official website): “We are pleased to advise that Alan is making great progress, is now fully alert and is up and walking about. He will remain in hospital over the next few days while further tests are carried out.

“He and our family would like to say thank you to his friend, Don Williamson, who was with him at the time and alerted everyone to his condition.

“We would also like to thank and pay tribute to the doctors and nurses who administered CPR, the paramedics from North East Ambulance Service, St John’s Ambulance, fans and stewards at the scene, as well the medical staff at the RVI and Freeman Hospital. We will be forever grateful.

“We would also like to say thank you to all of the people who have wished Alan well on social media and the players and staff of both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, especially Jamaal Lascelles who has sent a personal message. It meant so much to Alan.

“He is looking forward to getting back to St. James’ Park as soon as possible.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Mr Smith’s recovery is undoubtedly the most important result from Sunday’s match. Both sets of players, staff and the referee deserve a lot of credit for the way they handled the situation.

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