Supporter Drops Dead In Stands During Ligue 1 Match

Story By: Ernest Bio BogoreSub-EditorJoseph Golder, Agency: Golders

French football is in mourning after a supporter died in the stands at the Ligue 1 clash between Nimes and Olympique de Marseille this weekend.

Local media report 39-year-old Nimes Olympique supporter Cedric Deubel, from the Gard department, died in the middle of the Ligue 1 clash between his side and Marseille on Friday evening.

Local media report Deubel suffered a heart attack in the south stand just before half-time.

According to reports, just before half-time, the native of Codognan and Aimargues told his son that he was going to the toilet. He reportedly got up but collapsed a few moments later in the stairs leading to the toilet.

He is said to have suffered cardiorespiratory arrest and could not be revived by the emergency services. He died at the scene, according to reports.

The cause of the death of the fan will be confirmed after an autopsy.

Nimes released a statement reading: “It is with great sadness that the club learned of the death of Cedric, supporter of Nimes Olympique and season-ticket holder in the South Tribune, on Friday evening during the Nimes Olympique – Olympique de Marseille match.

“The club offers its sincere condolences to Cedric’s family and to his loved ones. In agreement with his family, a tribute will be paid to him on the occasion of the home match with Bordeaux on Saturday 21 March, a match whose entire proceeds will be donated to his son Loic.”

Nimes went on to lose the match 3-2 and currently sit 18th in Ligue 1.

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