Tragedy as AFL supporter dies at MCG during Richmond-Carlton Round 1 clash

Emergency services rushed to the fan’s seat but could not save him.

Harrison Reid
7NEWS Sport
A fan sadly died at the MCG.
A fan sadly died at the MCG. Credit: Getty

An AFL fan has sadly died inside the MCG during Carlton’s win over Richmond on Thursday night.

In a statement on Friday morning, police said paramedics attended the scene but could not save him.

“Police will prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a man in Richmond on Thursday, 12 March,” police said.

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“Emergency services tried to revive the man at a sports ground on Brunton Avenue about 10.15pm.

“He sadly died at the scene. The death is not being treated as suspicious.”

The man was a Richmond supporter and was seated on level four of the AFL Reserve.

The time of the emergency services response lines up almost perfectly with the final siren of the game.

“Two people tried to revive him as the final siren went, before the emergency medicos arrived,” Tom Morris reported.

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“A nearby witness said the man was a Richmond supporter who was cheering loudly in the first half, thought to be in his 70s.”

The Tigers said they were “deeply saddened” to learn the news.

“The club sends its condolences to the family and friends of the fan during this difficult time,” the club said.

“Richmond acknowledges and thanks the supporters and emergency medical personnel who responded quickly and did all they could to try and help the fan.”

The traditional Tigers-Blues Round 1 clash drew 74,313 people to the game, which Carlton won by four points in a thriller.

Originally published on 7NEWS Sport

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