A LINFIELD fan who collapsed and died at a match against Cork City on Thursday night has been named as William Richie.
The 68-year-old Belfast native was attending the cross-border Europa League tie between the two Irish clubs but fell ill shortly before kick-off at Windsor Park in Belfast.
Linfield released a statement on Friday to confirm his passing after word of a death had spread via social media.
"It is with profound regret and deep sympathy that Linfield Football Club reports the sad passing of William 'Billy' Ritchie, prior to last night's Europa League game against Cork City at Windsor Park,” it read.
"Billy took ill in the upper tier of the North Stand during the pre-match warm up and despite the valiant efforts of the paramedics who worked tirelessly to try and revive him, unfortunately he could not be saved.
"Billy was a regular and faithful supporter at Linfield games as far back as the famous Seven Trophy Winning team of 1961/62 and for the past 5-6 seasons he has been a season ticket holder.
“Indeed, he only renewed his season ticket on Wednesday this week when he also bought his ticket for last night's game in the Linfield office in the Railway Stand at Windsor Park.”
Mr Ritchie is survived by his wife Ellen, his three daughters Karen, Carly and Sarah, and his son Ryan.
