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Leyton Orient fan Derek Reynolds died after becoming unwell in the stands at their Brisbane Road stadium on Tuesday.
The 74-year-old fan was attended to by the on-site medical team, but despite efforts to save him, he sadly passed away.
What happened?
The incident occurred in the 82nd minute of the League One match against Lincoln City, which Leyton Orient were winning 1-0. A fan approached assistant referee Lee Venamore, and another ran on the pitch, urging referee Stephen Martin to stop the game.
Why it matters for Leyton Orient
The club's manager, Richie Wellens, was shocked by the referee's decision to try to resume play while medics were still performing CPR on Reynolds. Lincoln's goalkeeper, Lukas Jensen, refused to continue playing while the emergency was ongoing.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Match score | 1-0 to Leyton Orient |
| Time of incident | 82nd minute |
| Date | Tuesday, October 3, 2023 |
What comes next?
The English Football League (EFL) is confident that referee Martin followed the correct protocol for medical emergencies in the stands at matches. However, the incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of these protocols. Leyton Orient Football Club has confirmed that Derek Reynolds was a life-long supporter of the club and had managed the stadium's public-address system in the 1990s. The club has paid tribute to Reynolds, saying he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
