UK
Sheffield Wednesday football club defend emergency response time after West Brom fan’s death
Sheffield Wednesday football club have defended the emergency response time following the death of an away fan.
West Bromwich Albion season ticket holder Mark Townsend, 57, died after falling ill in the stands at Hillsborough Stadium during the first half of their Championship match on Saturday 28 September.
Sheffield Wednesday has reportedly been criticised for the speed in which Mr Townsend received treatment at the Leppings Lane end of the ground.
The club said on Sunday that advanced paramedic care was on the scene providing treatment within three minutes of the control room being notified, which was just over a minute after the nearest steward was alerted.
A review is taking place into the circumstances of Mr Townsend’s death.
Last Tuesday, West Brom paid tribute to Mr Townsend as players wore black armbands for the clash against Middlesbrough and fans were invited to join in applause in the 57th minute of the match at The Hawthorns.
On X, his brother Steve wrote: “An emotional night for us last night but brilliantly looked after by @WBA, the 57min tribute paid to my brother will live long in my memory, as will the solo version from the East stand in an empty stadium as my son and I took time with my brothers shirt.
“Thank you to everyone, for their kind words and especially the Boro fans for taking part in the tribute. Last night my club reinforced the family feeling I always knew it had and I will be forever thankful.”
A statement from Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday read: “First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone at Sheffield Wednesday remain with the loved ones of Mr Townsend and the wider West Bromwich Albion community.
“All relevant parties continue to collectively gather the detail and circumstances regarding the tragic incident last Saturday as part of the ongoing review process.”
It added: “In the interim, without compromising the review, it can be confirmed that advanced paramedic care was at the scene applying emergency treatment within three minutes of the control room being notified, just over one minute after the nearest steward was alerted.
“The club will cooperate fully with any investigation that the coroner may instigate and we await the findings of the review process, which will be concluded in due course.
“We can assure every supporter visiting Hillsborough that the club engage medical provision over and above the Green Guide guidance. Sheffield Wednesday reiterate our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Townsend and everyone connected with West Bromwich Albion.”
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Following his death, West Brom said in a statement: “West Bromwich Albion Football Club is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of a supporter following a medical emergency during Saturday’s fixture at Sheffield Wednesday.
“The club has made contact with the supporter’s family to pass on its condolences and asks that they are allowed to grieve privately.
“The thoughts of all of us will remain with the supporter’s loved ones at this desperately sad time.”