A football fan has passed away after succumbing to injuries suffered from a fall in the Allianz Arena during the UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain on Sunday in Munich.
The supporter fell from the second tier of the main stand into the lower seating area in the final minutes of extra-time of the match, according to ESPN. Portugal went on to lift the trophy after winning 5-3 on penalties.
Spectators called for help as the shocking incident saw the man fall 26 feet from the middle tier to the lower tier of the stadium, landing onto a staircase there, not far from the press area. Match stewards were on hand to quell the situation while paramedics treated the man, who eventually died at the scene.
“There was a medical emergency at the Munich arena, and despite the best efforts of the medical team, the person sadly passed away at 00:06. Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this difficult time,” a UEFA spokesperson said in a statement.
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“A man fell from the middle tier to the lower tier, onto a staircase near the press area, and unfortunately died at the scene,” Munich police spokesman Tobias Schenk said Monday. “As always in such cases, the Munich police have taken over the investigation. Criminal police are on site, witnesses are being interviewed and videos reviewed.
Schenk added, “At this time, there’s no evidence of anything but a tragic accident. We can’t give more details at the moment, except to say the man was from the Garmisch-Partenkirchen area.”
Both coaches expressed sympathy at the incident. “We’re mourning the fan who died,” Portugal counterpart Roberto Martínez said. “It’s very sad news.”
On his part, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said, “Before we begin with the questions, I would like to express my condolences because a fan died in the stands today. My condolences to the family.”