Tragic Incident Halts Second Division Match in Spain

and Almería was abandoned following the death of a 73-year-old supporter in the stands.

According to initial reports, the elderly fan — believed to be a long-time Ceuta season-ticket holder — collapsed during the opening stages of the first half at the Alfonso Murube Stadium. Medical staff and emergency personnel rushed to provide assistance as play was immediately halted by the referee in the 20th minute.

Players from both teams, visibly concerned, gathered near the touchline while medical teams administered resuscitation efforts in the stands. After roughly ten minutes, the individual was transported out of the stadium on a stretcher and taken to a nearby medical facility. The match resumed briefly once the situation appeared stabilized.

Match Officially Abandoned at Halftime

Shortly after halftime, stadium officials informed both teams and spectators that the fan had tragically passed away despite medical intervention. Upon receiving confirmation of the death, referee Alejandro Hernández made the decision — in consultation with league authorities and both clubs — to suspend the match indefinitely.

“The thoughts of Spanish football are with the family and loved ones of the supporter who sadly passed away today in Ceuta,” the Liga de Fútbol Profesional (LFP) said in an official statement released Sunday evening.

Both Ceuta and Almería expressed condolences through social media, with Ceuta writing:

“Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of our supporter, who left us today while cheering for the team he loved.”

League to Confirm Rescheduled Date

The Spanish league has yet to announce a new date for the continuation of the fixture. The result from the abandoned match — which stood at 0–0 at the time of suspension — will not be counted until the game is replayed or completed.

Local authorities confirmed that the cause of death was a sudden cardiac arrest, and that the fan received “immediate attention from both the club’s and regional emergency medical teams.”

Sunday’s incident has reignited discussion about medical readiness and emergency protocols in Spanish football venues, with several clubs emphasizing the importance of on-site defibrillators and rapid response coordination.