Cadiz fan who suffered cardiac arrest during Barcelona game admitted to hospital

Cadiz confirmed a fan who suffered a cardiac arrest during the 4-0 defeat to Barcelona was resuscitated before being admitted to the intensive care unit of a local hospital.

Play was stopped with under 10 minutes of normal time remaining at the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla on Saturday after it became apparent someone in the stands had been taken ill.

Cadiz goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma could be seen passing a defibrillator to those in the stands, and after close to 20 minutes, the referee spoke with the captains of both sides, with the players taken off the field and down the tunnel.

Treatment was administered to the fan, with play resuming around 40 minutes later and the visitors going on to win the game 4-0.

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— Cádiz Club de Fútbol (@Cadiz_CF) September 10, 2022

A statement from Cadiz after the game confirmed the situation, adding that a camera operator had also been taken ill, but without “major consequences”.

“When the 81st minute was completed, the match against Barcelona was paused as a result of a health alert in the south end stands,” the statement read. “The protocol established with the Red Cross quickly became operational, assisting a man in cardiac arrest.

“One of the medical teams with a defibrillator and monitor moved to the stands, beginning the resuscitation tasks. At the same time, Barcelona offered a second defibrillator in case its use was necessary, being moved to the area by the players themselves.

“The resuscitation was positive after a few minutes, and the fan was transferred to the ICU of the Puerta del Mar Hospital where he remains admitted.

“In addition, one of the Tribuna camera operators suffered a fainting spell that was also quickly treated by the stadium’s medical staff without major consequences.”

Cadiz praised “the exemplary behaviour” of supporters, “as well as the members of security and the Red Cross for their prompt action that resulted in this incident having a happy ending”.