Medics fought to save fan's life in the stand

One Northern Ireland sitting just feet away from the casualty used Facebook to say that medics erected a screen while they fought to save his life.

Pictures have emerged from France of flags placed at the spot where he collapsed as a tribute.

One Northern Ireland fan from Portadown said he was left with “mixed emotions” following his team’s 2-0 victory - the first at a major tournament in 34 years.

The fan said: “Unfortunately he did not see the [first] goal or the win, but the Green and White Army done it for him.

“Was honoured to leave my flag on the gentleman’s seat”.

The Irish Football Association has said it is “deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of a Northern Ireland fan at this evening’s game” at the Stade de Lyon.

Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson said: “The fan passed away as he was watching the game in the stadium. This puts any result of a football match into perspective.”

Mr Nelson added: “The thoughts of the board, management, players and staff are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

News of the stadium fatality comes just days after 24-year-old Ballymena man Darren Rodgers fell to this death shortly after Northern Ireland’s first game of the tournament in Nice against Poland.

Mr Rodgers is understood to have been alone when he fell onto a rocky beach.