A second Northern Ireland supporter has died at the European Championship after a man suffered a heart attack during the team’s 2-0 win over Ukraine in Lyon.
Robert Rainey, who was 64, collapsed at Stade de Lyon shortly after Gareth McAuley had given Michael O’Neill’s team the lead. Medics treated the supporter in his seat, erecting screens around him, but were unable to resuscitate him.
A statement from the Irish Football Association confirmed: “The Irish FA is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of a Northern Ireland fan at this evening’s game.”
In a statement, the Belfast man’s family thanked everyone for their support. They said: “The family wish to confirm the sad news that our father Robert Rainey, known to everyone as Archie, has sadly passed away whilst in France supporting Northern Ireland at the Euros surrounded by all his friends and family, doing what he loved best.
“We are obviously devastated at this loss, and thankful for everyone’s thoughts and prayers. We would appreciate privacy at this sensitive time.”
On Monday, Darren Rodgers died after falling from the promenade in Nice. There was a minute’s applause in the Ukraine game in his memory and Northern Ireland players wore black armbands.
