By: Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
A fan tragically died after falling from the stands while watching the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain in Munich on Sunday night.
The male supporter from Bavaria’s Garmisch-Partenkirchen district fell from the middle tier into the lower tier of the stadium and landed on a staircase in the media area.
He received immediate medical attention but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
UEFA released a statement shortly after the horrifying incident as the governing body sent its condolences to the man’s family.
The statement read: ‘Despite the best efforts of the medical team, the person sadly passed away at 00:06. Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this difficult time.’
Munich police launched investigation, but revealed that there is currently ‘no evidence to suggest foul play.’
The fan’s death marred what had been a thrilling contest that went all the way to penalties.
Portugal and Spain played out a 2-2 draw and could not be separated over 120 minutes.
It was Portugal who eventually prevailed 5-3 on penalties, with Alvaro Morata seeing his spot-kick saved by Diogo Costa.
Portugal became the first two-time Nations League winners after triumphi at the tournament back in 2019, Cristiano Ronaldo burst into tears when Ruben Neves fired home the winning penalty. But attention then turned to the fatality in the stands, with Portugal boss Roberto Martinez describing the supporter’s passing as an ‘extremely sad news’.
‘I want to show my deepest condolences because a fan has died. It reminds us of what is important in life.’,Spain’s manager Luis de la Fuente added:.
