EFL clash delayed as ground evacuated after air ambulance lands on pitch for ill fan

A League Two match was forced to delay kick-off and evacuate the stadium after a fan fell ill and an air ambulance landed on the pitch. Newport County's opening match of the season against Notts County was meant to begin at 3pm but was unable to do so following dramatic scenes at Rodney Parade.

The incident took place less than an hour before kick off as fans and media were told to leave the stands. Two separate air ambulances landed on the pitch as part of the emergency response.

The Welsh club sent the best wishes to the unwell fan in explaining the situation. The kick-off was eventually re-arranged for 4pm to permit both teams sufficient time to warm up following the departure of the two air ambulances.

Thus far, there has been no update on the condition of the fan.

Newport posted on social media: "Due to a supporter being taken ill in the stands, an air ambulance has landed on the pitch. A delay to kick-off is likely, with more details to follow as soon as possible.

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"We send our very best wishes to the individual concerned."

"Kick-off for today's match has now been scheduled for 4pm," they later added. "Everyone at Newport County sends their best wishes to the individual concerned. We'd also like to thank all of the supporters for their patience."

Opponent's Notts County added: "We await a further update on the condition of the supporter, who remains in our thoughts."

The Exiles' opening home match sees David Hughes take charge of the side for the first time in a competitive game. The manager, who played for Aston Villa, Shrewsbury Town and Cardiff, was appointed in May

Notts County boss Martin Paterson takes charge of his side in League Two for the first time too. The former Burton boss, and assistant to Phil Neville at Inter Miami, was appointed as head coach in June.

Both teams will be hoping for greater joy in 2024/25. Newport narrowly escaped relegation as they finished 22nd, while Notts County fell to AFC Wimbledon in the play-offs to miss out on promotion after finishing fifth in the division.

It is not the first time a medical incident has seen a match interrupted at Rodney Parade. During the side's FA Cup clash against Manchester United in 2024, a medical emergency saw the game stopped in the 82nd minute.

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