Rest in peace
Liverpool have confirmed that a supporter who was taken ill ahead of their game against Benfica at Anfield on Wednesday night has died.
Emergency services were called to the fan ahead of kick-off where he was initially treated inside the ground before being taken to hospital, where he died. According to multiple reports, the incident took place 20 minutes before the second leg.
Liverpool paid tribute to the supporter
A club spokesperson revealed the sad news in a statement on Thursday.
It is with great regret that we can confirm that a supporter who was taken ill ahead of last night’s fixture against Benfica has sadly passed away.
The thoughts of everyone at the club are with the supporter’s family, loved ones and friends.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 14, 2022
It said: “It is with great regret that Liverpool Football Club can confirm that a supporter who was taken ill ahead of last night’s fixture against Benfica has sadly passed away.
“First and foremost, the condolences and the thoughts of everyone at the club are with the supporter’s family, loved ones and friends.
“We would like to thank the emergency services for their heroic efforts in providing urgent care and our appreciation to our medical professionals, stewards and all supporters in the vicinity of the incident for their assistance.”
Merseyside Police also confirmed the news in a statement of their own.
They said: “We can confirm that a man has sadly died after falling ill during the Liverpool vs Benfica football match last night, Wednesday 13 April, at Anfield.
“Prior to the game a man in his 60s was taken to hospital from the stadium for emergency treatment but sadly died a short time later. The man’s next of kin have been informed. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the man’s family.”
Liverpool advance through to the semi finals
Liverpool reached the semi-finals of the Champions League after they beat the Portuguese side 6-4 on aggregate after they drew on Wednesday night.
Jurgen Klopp’s side had gone 3-1 up on the night, but a resilient fight back from Benfica saw them peg back Liverpool to claim a draw.
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