A second Northern Ireland supporter has died at the European Championships after a man suffered a heart attack during the team’s 2-0 win over Ukraine in Lyon.
Michael O’Neill’s side recorded their first ever victory in any international competition thanks to strikes in both halves from Gareth McAuley and Niall McGinn.
But their famous victory was however marred by the death of one of their fan – the second at the tournament.
The man, believed to be in his 60s, collapsed at Stade de Lyon shortly after McAuley had given Ireland the lead in the 49th minute.
Medics treated the supporter in his seat, erecting screens around him, but were unable to resuscitate him and his body was carried away on a stretcher.
A statement from the Irish Football Association confirmed: “The Irish Football Association is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of a Northern Ireland fan at this evening’s game at Stade de Lyon.”
The Irish FA chief executive, Patrick Nelson said: “The fan passed away as he was watching the game in the stadium.
“This puts any result of a football match into perspective. The thoughts of the board, management, players and staff are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Fellow Northern Ireland fans left flags in the area where the man died after the game.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: “We are providing support to the family of a British national who has sadly died in France. He died of natural causes.”
On Monday, Northern Ireland fan Darren Rodgers died after falling from the promenade in Nice.
There was a minute’s applause in the 24th minute of the Ukraine game in memory of Rodgers and Northern Ireland players wore black armbands.
