Lincoln City boss Mark Kennedy opens up on ‘heartbreaking’ night after supporter died during match
Derek Reynolds was a lifelong Leyton Orient fan
Lincoln City manager Mark Kennedy has opened up on the tragic night which saw a football supporter die during a match. Derek Reynolds, 74, became unwell during the league fixture between Leyton Orient and Lincoln City during the evening of Tuesday, October 3.
The game, being played at Orient’s ground, was brought to an end after concerned fans stormed the pitch, with players returning to their changing rooms while Derek received medical care. Despite the best efforts of Derek’s fellow supporters and medical professionals from the club’s on-site paramedics and doctors, Lincoln City and the London Ambulance Service, he sadly lost his life.
Derek was described as a lifelong Leyton Orient fan who was heavily involved with the club during the 1990s. Mark Kennedy reflected on what was an “incredibly sad” night. He said: “It’s just really sad, incredibly sad.
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“For myself, the players, the staff and everybody connected with Lincoln it was just a really sad night. My deepest sympathies to Derek’s family, friends, loved ones and Leyton Orient as a whole.
“I know he was a lifelong fan. It’s just heartbreaking to think that a father, uncle, brother, or grandfather goes to a game and never gets the opportunity to come home.”
“We would, once again, like to thank Derek’s fellow supporters for the way in which they conducted themselves on Tuesday night and acted to try and help the situation. If you were in attendance at Brisbane Road on Tuesday evening and were affected by the events, you can contact the helpline at MIND for support on 0300 123 3393.”
A period of applause will take place at Leyton Orient’s next fixture against Reading on Saturday, with members of Derek’s family to lead the teams out of the tunnel before the game.
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