A Manchester City fan died after a medical incident at Sunday’s match against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium, the club confirmed on Monday.
In a statement, the club said: “Manchester City are aware of the tragic news that one of our supporters passed away following a medical incident at [Sunday’s] match.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Tributes have been flooding in for the lifelong Manchester City fan who tragically died after collapsing at the derby on Sunday afternoon (December 15).
Now named by his close friends as Les Sparrow, known fondly as ‘Budgie’ by those who knew him, he had travelled to the game from Blackpool with his friend of 30 years Gary Brown.
But after suddenly collapsing on his way into the stadium from entrance K, Les, who celebrated his 70th birthday just last week, was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Close friend Gary, who attended every Man City game with Les including across Europe, said the pair travelled to Manchester before having some pre-game drinks in the Townley pub before heading into the Etihad stadium.
After meeting up with other friends, Les said he was going to go to his seat. Moments later, he collapsed and was quickly surrounded by stewards who called the emergency services.
Speaking to the M.E.N, Gary said: “We got into the grounds and were going to meet some lads we know from Rochdale and Heywood. He said he was going to his seat and said ‘I’ll see you in a bit.’
“I had been with him all through dinner time with my nephew and my son as we had travelled from Blackpool. He was absolutely fine.
“I walked down the concourse and he wasn’t in his seat. I knew something wasn’t right, and I texted him and called him. Then I got a call from the hospital and they told me what had happened and that it was serious. The next thing, a steward pulled me out and said he’d passed away. I was obviously in bits.
“The last time I’d seen him, we had walked through the gate and he was going to his seat while I chatted to the lads. As he walked down to the stairs he had collapsed. It must’ve been almost immediately after leaving and I missed it.”
The North West Ambulance Service confirmed they were called at 4.07pm to a ‘medical incident’ at the stadium. Les was rushed to Manchester Royal Infirmary, but was pronounced dead a short time later.
Gary said Les was born in Wythenshawe before moving to Blackpool. He previously served as a Sapper in the Royal Engineers and later went on to work as a Civil Servant in Work and Pensions.
Despite having a heart condition, he said Les ‘seemed absolutely fine’ as they headed into the stadium and scanned their tickets – just moments before tragedy struck.
“I’ve known him for over 30 years,” he said. “I had known he was a City fan, and met him at a Christening years ago, and we have been mates ever since.
“We went to every game together, driving over from Blackpool. We’d go to the Townley before every game, and have been abroad with them to watch them overseas in Europe.
“He had the most wicked sense of humour and was one of the most intelligent blokes I’ve ever met. He was so quick, knowledgeable on anything.
“He always made you have a laugh and a good time. He was a good friend to everybody and a lifelong friend. He’d do anything for anyone.”
