A tragic incident marred the UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain on Sunday in Munich, Germany, as a fan lost their life after a fall inside the stadium.
According to confirmation from UEFA through AFP’s SID subsidiary, the individual fell from the middle tier of the stadium stands during the first half of extra time. The fall ended in the press area located in the lower section. Emergency responders and law enforcement officers immediately rushed to provide medical assistance at the scene.
A UEFA spokesperson stated there was a “medical emergency” and confirmed that a fan had “sadly” died during the match. The emotionally charged encounter ended with Portugal defeating Spain 5-3 in a penalty shootout after the match concluded 2-2 at full time. Players and officials from both teams expressed their sorrow following the match.
Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, offered heartfelt sympathies during his press briefing. “I want to show my deepest condolences because a fan has died. It reminds us, of what is important in life.”
A representative from the Portuguese side also shared condolences, describing the incident as one that “casts a shadow on our victory today.”
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, added his voice to those mourning the loss, calling it “extremely sad news.”