**Football Fan in Hospital After Medical Emergency Halts Newport County Match**
Rodney Parade was the scene of urgent medical drama on Saturday when two air ambulances were summoned following a supporter’s medical emergency, prompting a delay to Newport County AFC’s opening League Two fixture against Notts County. The incident unfolded less than an hour before the scheduled kick-off, sending shockwaves through attending fans and club staff alike.
Eyewitnesses looked on with concern as air ambulances landed directly on the pitch, a rare occurrence in professional sport. The dramatic scenes preceded the match’s scheduled 3pm start, with the medical teams arriving shortly after 2.20pm to render aid. Official confirmation from Newport County indicated the air ambulances had arrived “due to a supporter being taken ill in the stands,” and stadium officials immediately took the decision to evacuate the grounds to facilitate the medical intervention.
The urgency of the response was palpable, with paramedics and air ambulance crews working swiftly to stabilise the supporter before transporting them to hospital. The gravity of the situation became the primary focus for both teams and fans, leading to a one-hour postponement; the match would eventually commence at 4pm once confirmation was received that the supporter had been safely evacuated from the premises.
Wales Air Ambulance, whose crews played a pivotal role in the unfolding emergency, later relayed details to the press. A spokesperson stated: “We can confirm two Wales Air Ambulance teams were dispatched to a medical emergency at Rodney Parade, with our first team on site at 2.22pm this afternoon.”
Notts County, visiting Newport for the hotly anticipated season opener, soon confirmed that the supporter taken ill was one of their own fans. The club addressed the situation publicly via their social media channels, assuring concerned followers that the individual was in hospital under observation and described their condition as “serious but stable.”
Further comment was given by Notts County manager Mark Paterson, who highlighted the impact the incident had on all involved. “This kind of thing really puts life into perspective,” Paterson told BBC Radio Nottingham. “My staff, players, and everyone at the football club were prepared to wait as long as was needed to ensure the supporter received the care they required.”
The atmosphere remained subdued as the match finally got underway. Both sides played out a tightly contested fixture, ending in a 1-1 draw at around 5.37pm. However, the events off the pitch had understandably overshadowed the football for everyone involved.
Fans of Newport County, Notts County and Rodney Parade’s resident rugby side, Dragons RFC, all united on social media and in person to express support for the unwell supporter and their family. Heartfelt messages wishing a swift recovery continued to pour in through various club channels.
David Hughes, overseeing his first League Two match as Newport manager, also sent words of support after the final whistle: “Our thoughts are with the supporter and their family at this time. It’s moments like these that bring the entire football community together.”
The incident underlines the unpredictable nature of live sporting events and the importance of emergency medical services. Both clubs have pledged to provide further updates on the supporter’s condition when more information becomes available. For now, the primary concern remains the individual’s recovery, with local and visiting fans alike united in their well-wishes.