Nations League final marred by tragedy as spectator dies during Portugal win over Spain
PORTUGAL's Nations League victory over Spain was marred as a fan died at the match.
Tragedy struck as a fan fell from the second tier of the main stand into the seating area below before full-time.
5
5
Medical staff immediately responded to the fan but were unable to save them.
Uefa confirmed that the supporter sadly passed away after the incident at the Allianz Arena.
A statement read: "There was a medical emergency at the Munich arena, and despite the best efforts of the medical team, the person sadly passed away at 00:06 (CET).
"Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this difficult time."
The sad news of the death reached the teams as Spain coach Luis de la Fuente addressed it in his press conference.
Despite suffering defeat on the pitch, he sent his sympathies to the family.
He said: "I want to express my condolences to the family of a fan who has died.
"That has made us realise what is important in life."
5
5
5
Man of the match Nuno Mendes also spoke about the tragedy when he was interviewed.
The Portugal star admitted that the death overshadowed the victory.
He added: "I would like to express my condolences to the family of the fan who died.
"It casts a pall on our victory today."
While manager Roberto Martinez labelled the death "extremely sad news".
Portugal came out as the winners in Germany after a penalty shootout.
Martin Zubimendi netted the opener for Spain before Mendes equalised.
Spain retook the lead in the 45th minute through Mikel Oyarzabal, only to be pegged back again as Cristiano Ronaldo levelled the match.
Alvaro Morata missed the crucial penalty in the shootout, which allowed Ruben Neves to fire his side to glory.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
8 minutes ago
- The Independent
Cristiano Ronaldo drops hint over future after Club World Cup transfer speculation
Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that he will remain at Al-Nassr amid speculation that he could seek a move in order to compete at this summer's Club World Cup. The 40-year-old's future has been up in the air with his contract at the Saudi Arabian club due to come to an end on June 30. He joined the club in January 2023 after leaving Manchester United and has been instrumental in elevating the league's credibility. However, a cryptic social media post suggested that the five-time Ballon d'Or was ready to part ways with the club. Following a 3-2 defeat to Al-Fateh in their final game of the season, which saw Al-Nassr finish third in the league, Ronaldo took to X to say: "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all." But now, Ronaldo has backtracked on his earlier statement and seemingly vowed to remain at his current employers. After Portugal's Nations League final victory over Spain last night, which saw Roberto Martinez 's side emerge victorious on penalties, the striker has suggested that his future lies with Al-Nassr. The Portugal captain said: "Future? Nothing will change. Al-Nassr? Yes." Ronaldo extended his goalscoring record against Spain, claiming his 138th international goal in the 61st minute to put Portugal on terms. He was subbed off in the 88th minute and was not involved in the subsequent penalty shootout. He was seen in tears when Ruben Neves scored the winning spot kick as Portugal reigned supreme over their Spanish neighbours, becoming the first team to become two-time winners. After Al-Nassr failed to qualify for the Club World Cup, Fifa president Gianni Infantino proposed the idea of Ronaldo joining a team still involved in the competition. However, it appears Ronaldo has turned various participating teams down, with Argentinian giants River Plate among those who reportedly sent proposals his way. "Some teams reached out to me,' Ronaldo added. 'Some made sense and others did not, but you can't try and do everything. You can't catch every ball."
BBC News
38 minutes ago
- BBC News
Larne sign defender Ridley as Want departs
Larne have signed defender Matthew Ridley after the departure of Scottish centre-back Shaun Ridley becomes Nathan Rooney's first summer signing as he arrives from Northern Premier League side Blyth Spartans, a club he captained last 25-year-old has also had spells with Billingham Town, Chester-Le-Street Town, Whitby Town and League Two side Sutton United."I'm really pleased to bring Matt to the club. He'll add nicely to our defensive options, making this part of the squad a really competitive unit," Rooney told Larne's website."His energy and passion for the game is something I have been aware of for a while and I am looking forward to working closely with Matt on his next stage of his career."Ridley will replace Want, who leaves the club upon the expiration of his contract, returning to Scotland for family 28-year-old was a mainstay for the side after arriving from Hamilton Academical three years made 104 appearances for Larne, winning two Gibson Cups, two County Antrim Shields and helping them to qualify for the league phase of the Uefa Conference League for the first time."The club respects Shaun's decision to put family first and wishes him the best of luck at his next club," said the club in a post on Omar, Joe Besant, Sean Brown, Olatunde Bayode and Harrison Panayiotou have also left the Inver outfit upon the expiration of their contracts.
The Sun
40 minutes ago
- The Sun
Crystal Palace's European D-Day revealed with Eagles facing anxious wait to find out if they'll be booted out or not
CRYSTAL PALACE are expected to be left in limbo over their European fate until June 27. The Eagles sealed a place in the Europa League group stages for the first time in their history by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final. 1 But complications around John Textor's stake in both Palace and French club Lyon have resulted in the South Londoners' spot being in doubt. There was hope at Selhurst Park that a quick resolution would be found, but Uefa's Club Financial Control Body is not expected to announce their decision until the end of this month. Uefa rules on multi-club ownership prevent any two clubs controlled by the same person or group from competing in the same competition. Both Palace and Lyon have qualified for next year's Europa League, but the Ligue 1 side would have precedence as they finished higher in their domestic league. Textor is the majority owner of Lyon and Palace's largest shareholder at 43 per cent. The American could have placed his Eagles shares into a blind trust, as many other owners have done to avoid this outcome, though the deadline to do so was March 1. Palace have already met with Uefa in Switzerland arguing that Textor has no controlling influence at Crystal Palace. While he is the largest shareholder, the billionaire has an equal 25 per cent voting right and has complained about a lack of control and influence in the past. Senior figures at the club are therefore confident that they will be able to find an agreement with Uefa which will see them take part in the Europa League next season. A resolution could come sooner should Textor simply sell his shares. The 59-year-old has been looking to sell his stake in Palace for some time now following a breakdown in relations with chairman Steve Parish. Textor, who tried to buy Everton last year, is now thought to be open to selling his shares to fellow American investors David Blitzer and Joshua Harris. Any deal would be difficult to complete in such a short timeframe, though it would immediately put an end to any concerns over breaching Uefa rules. Were the CFBC to find against Palace, Forest would move up into their Europa League spot from the Conference League while Brighton would find themselves in Europe.
