Newcastle United’s first match since the sale of the club to a Saudi Arabian-backed consortium was brought to a halt in the 41st minute after players, referee and medical teams quickly responded to an emergency in the stands at St. James’ Park.
Callum Wilson had given Newcastle a second-minute lead, only for Tanguy Ndombele and Harry Kane to reply for Tottenham by the 22nd.
In the 41st, it became apparent that something was wrong when Spurs defender Sergio Reguilón could be seen trying to get referee Andre Marriner’s attention.
Marriner stopped play as it became clear that there was a medical emergency in Newcastle’s east stand. Eric Dier ran across to the sideline and helped get the medical teams — equipped with defibrillators — out to the stands.
¡SE DETIENE EL PARTIDO!
⚕️ Por una emergencia médica en las gradas, el duelo se pospone para poder atender al aficionado. ¡Gran gesto de los futbolistas! #Newcastle 1-2 #TottenhamAPP Telemundo Deportes ➡️ https://t.co/AolOHFrm33 #LigaPremierTD pic.twitter.com/KIUJhkoduM
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) October 17, 2021
It was confirmed on NBCSN that a supporter had suffered cardiac arrest, and Marriner took the players off the field for a 10-minute break.
Newcastle and Spurs re-emerged for the final seven minutes of the first half with Toon fans applauding Reguilón for his actions.
According to the latest reports, the stricken individual has been stabilized and is now at the hospital.
The supporter who was in need of urgent medical assistance has been stabilised and is on their way to hospital.
Our thoughts are with them.— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 17, 2021