“He is looking forward to getting back to St. James’ Park as soon as possible”
The family of a supporter who required emergency medical care during Newcastle’s Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur have released a statement to update fans on his condition.
Alan George Smith, 80, collapsed during the first half of the fixture and the game was suspended while his condition was stabilised.
The game was temporarily halted after Spurs’ Sergio Reguilon was alerted by a member of the home crowd that a supporter required urgent medical attention.
The full-back then informed referee Andre Marriner, who took the decision to suspend the game while Eric Dier grabbed the attention of the medical staff, at which point Newcastle club doctor Dr Paul Catterson attended the scene to also help.
Medical professionals were on hand to help out with members of the crowd also doing what they could to provide a helping hand, including Dr Pritchard who is a member of the North Tees A&E regiment as he helped to perform life-saving treatment.
Mr Smith was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle city centre before he was transferred to the Freeman Hospital for specialist care.
Newcastle had confirmed that the fan was in a stable condition, and Mr Smith’s family have now released a statement updating supporters on his current condition.
🙏 The family of Alan George Smith, the fan who required urgent medical care at St. James' Park on Sunday, have released a statement updating supporters on his condition.
He is now fully alert and is up & walking about but remains in hospital while further tests are carried out.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 20, 2021
Mr Smith’s son, Paul, said: “We are pleased to advise that Alan is making great progress, is now fully alert and is up and walking about. He will remain in hospital over the next few days while further tests are carried out.
“He and our family would like to say thank you to his friend, Don Williamson, who was with him at the time and alerted everyone to his condition.
“We would also like to thank and pay tribute to the doctors and nurses who administered CPR, the paramedics from North East Ambulance Service, St John’s Ambulance, fans and stewards at the scene, as well the medical staff at the RVI and Freeman Hospital. We will be forever grateful.
“We would also like to say thank you to all of the people who have wished Alan well on social media and the players and staff of both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, especially Jamaal Lascelles who has sent a personal message. It meant so much to Alan.
“He is looking forward to getting back to St. James’ Park as soon as possible.”
Newcastle’s next home fixture sees them host Chelsea on October 30, where it is expected that a new manager will be at the helm following the sacking of Steve Bruce on Wednesday.
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