Police respond after fan falls from stand and dies during Nations League final
Portugal won the Nations League final against Spain on penalties, but the game has been overshadowed by the tragic death of a supporter, who had fallen from a stand just before both the shootout began
A fan died during the Nations League final between Spain and Portugal after falling from the second tier of a stand, it has been confirmed. Portugal won the showpiece in Munich on penalties on Sunday night but it emerged there had been a tragedy as the game moved into extra time.
Medics and stewards cordoned off the area as they attended to the stricken supporter, who could not be revived. A statement from Bavarian Police said: “At 9pm someone fell from the second ring to the first and died right there, on the stairs. There is nothing to suggest that it was anything other than an accident.”
A statement from UEFA 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.”
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente made a point of sending condolences to the fan’s family as he arrived for his post-match press conference.
“Before we begin with the questions, I would like to express my condolences because a fan died in the stands today. My condolences to the family. That has made us realise what is important in life.”
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Meanwhile, Portugal star Nuno Mendes also made a tribute to the fan after the game and said the passing made their triumph bittersweet.
“I would like to express my condolences to the family of the fan that died,” he said. “It casts a pall on our victory today.”
The game saw Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi open the scoring before Mendes equalised. Mikel Oyarzabal then put Spain back in front until Cristiano Ronaldo netted a equaliser – with the game going to extra time and penalties.
After Portugal won the shootout 5-3, Ronaldo was reduced to tears after winning yet another trophy in his storied career – having been forced to watch extra time from the bench following an injury.
The Al-Nassr forward said after the game: “I had been feeling [the injury] for some time, but for the national team, if I had to break my leg, I would have broken it. It’s for a trophy, I had to play and I gave it my all.
“Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. It’s tears. It’s duty done and a lot of joy. When you talk about Portugal it is always a special feeling. Winning a title is always the pinnacle in a national team.”
Portugal boss Roberto Martines said: “We don’t just have a team; we have 16-17 players on the same level, and, as a coach, I have many options and can change concepts. It’s a different team to when I started; we have more character and confidence.”
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