Granada vs Athletic La Liga match abandoned after fan dies

Supporters leave as the match is being suspended due to a medical issue in the tribunes, during the Spanish league football match between Granada FC and Athletic Club Bilbao at Los Carmenes stadium in Granada on December 10, 2023. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP)

Granada’s match against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday in La Liga was abandoned after a supporter died in the stands at the Nuevo Los Carmenes stadium.

The match was paused in the 18th minute with visitors Athletic leading 1-0 as the Granada fan received medical attention, with La Liga confirming the match was then abandoned “because of the sad death of a fan” in a statement.

Players from both sides left the pitch 20 minutes after play was suspended, with supporters then requested to leave the stadium after the decision was eventually taken to abandon the game.

“Football becomes the least important thing, it’s a tragedy that we have to endure, and we are in mourning,” said Granada director Alfredo Garcia Amado, who also thanked Athletic’s medics for helping during the incident.

Granada offered their condolences to the fan’s family and friends, with many other Spanish clubs following suit on social media.

Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon was applauded by Granada fans after helping to inform officials of the incident in the stands.

Visitors Athletic were leading through an early Inaki Williams strike.

La Liga later confirmed the match would resume on Monday at 2000 GMT from the 17th minute.

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