The English Football League has issued an apology after live footage of graphic scenes of paramedics saving the life of a football fan was streamed live across the world.
Stevenage’s match with Exeter City at St James Park on Tuesday evening was stopped for four minutes after a supporter in the stands required urgent medical treatment after suffering a cardiac arrest.
A male spectator was given CPR by paramedics before being taken into a waiting ambulance.
However the distressing scenes were streamed live around the globe through the EFL’s iFollow, with fans forking out £10 to watch live coverage of midweek EFL games.
Home fans housed in the Cliff Bastin terrace also known as the Big Bank urged referee Anthony Coggins to halt proceedings by singing: ‘Stop the game’ as a number of stewards attempted to help before paramedics were called around 8pm.
The worrying incident left watching supporters horrified prompting an EFL spokesman to say: “Following a medical incident at the League having been caught on camera and broadcast, the EFL would like to apologise for any distress caused and offer our best wishes to the individual concerned.
“All camera operators will be reminded of their responsibilities in such circumstances.”
An ambulance arrived behind the newly-built St James Road terrace as the man was taken away as the players waited patiently on the pitch while help was given.
Fans around the ground applauded the emergency services and stricken Grecian fan before the game restarted.
A week earlier Exeter’s game against West Ham United U21s in the Checkatrade Trophy was stopped for 27 minutes due to a floodlight failure.
Exeter beat Stevenage 1-0 through a Dean Moxey goal in first-half stoppage time. The club also issued a statement saying: “The thoughts of everyone at Exeter City continue to be with the fan who was taken ill at yesterday’s game as well as his family.
“The supporter, who suffered a cardiac arrest, was taken to hospital and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
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