Northern Ireland fan collapses and dies during Ukraine game

A Northern Ireland football fan has collapsed and died during the European Championship in Lyon, the PSNI has said.

The man, in his 60s, collapsed in the upper part of the soccer ground and was treated by paramedics but they were unable to revive him.

It happened during the game against Ukraine, which Northern Ireland won 2-0.

Supt Nigel Goddard said: "Our thoughts are tragically with a second family this week mourning the devastating loss of their loved one.

“We understand the man aged in his 60s collapsed during the game and was attended to by emergency services in the Stade de Lyon.

"It is extremely sad that this is the second death of a Northern Ireland fan in France during the Euro 2016 games."

Fall from promenade

On Monday, Darren Rodgers (24), from Ballymena, fell eight metres off a promenade in the south-coast city of Nice and died.

Fans applauded his memory in tribute during the 24th minute of Thursday night’s match.

Mr Goddard said the PSNI had been liaising with French authorities and local officers had been in touch with the man's family in Belfast.

Flags, shirts and scarves have been left at the Stade de Lyon in tribute to the dead man.

A paramedic who treated him said: “We tried but we could not. It is very sad.”

The Olympique Lyonnais ground was packed with Northern Ireland supporters who have travelled to France in their droves for Northern Ireland's first major tournament in 30 years.

Press Association