LaLiga have confirmed that Girona vs Athletic Bilbao was called off after a fan passed away in the stands during the game. Paramedics tried to resuscitate the 64-year-old, who had reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest, but he was declared dead after an hour of attempts.
The fans chanted for the ball to be put out of play after the incident, and Granada fans chanted opposition goalkeeper Unai Simons’ name as he was the one that alerted the referee to the matter. The players eventually walked off the pitch, refusing to continue the game after what just happened. The game between the two teams will continue from the 17th minute onwards, with Bilbao leading 1-0 owing to a goal from Inaki Williams.
Girona vs Athletic Bilbao suspended due to the death of a fan in the crowd
Both clubs have released statements in response to the matter and offered their condolences to the family members of the deceased. The game will be played on Monday, and the match will restart from the 17th minute.
The identity of the fan has been withheld out of respect for him, but Granda confirmed that he was a season ticket holder for 16 years.
Athletic Bilbao are sixth in the table as things stand, while Granada are battling relegation, in 19th place. They will be losing one of their top players, Bryan Zaragoza at the end of the season, with the winger set to join Bayern Munich in the summer as announced recently.
