Brother of West Brom fan who died at Hillsborough Stadium demands answers about treatment

The brother of a West Bromwich Albion fan who died after collapsing at Hillsborough during Saturday’s Championship game against Sheffield Wednesday has demanded to know why it took paramedics 15 minutes to reach the stands.

West Brom season ticket holder Mark Townsend, 57, collapsed during the 3-2 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

Football fans who attended the weekend’s game called for answers as to why the match was not stopped when Townsend suffered a medical episode, from which he later died.

West Brom paid tribute to Townsend and the club, along with Sheffield Wednesday, promised to work together to investigate the circumstances of the incident after some fans criticized the decision not to stop the game.

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, the victim’s brother Steve said: “My heart is truly broken, my son had to see my brother pass away and lose an uncle, and was left with these memories.

“I had to break the news to my parents and his wife.

“My brother loved the Baggies, he was my best friend and going to a game will never be the same.”

The individual also stated that it took “15 minutes to tend to a dying man” in a subsequent post, with other supporters who witnessed the events questioning why more was not done to help.

A West Brom fan who said he helped provide first aid said there was no scope for immediate mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, although he confirmed the individual was given CPR. The supporter, who spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity, also said that medical staff had difficulty getting a stretcher into the lobby due to lack of space and claimed that Hillsborough’s corridors were not wide enough to carry stretchers.

Clubs will work with the EFL to establish what happened

The incident comes 35 years after the Hillsborough disaster, when significant crowd management and stadium failures led to the biggest crush in English football history when 97 Liverpool fans lost their lives. The tragedy resulted in significant changes to safety regulations at football pitches across the country.

When contacted about the allegations, Sheffield Wednesday declined to comment. A post-mortem will be carried out, with the South Yorkshire (West) Coroner’s Office deciding whether an inquest is necessary.

The clubs are also in contact with the English Football League.

Telegraph sport also approached the Yorkshire Ambulance Service for a response.

In a statement, West Brom sent their condolences to Townsend’s family and friends and confirmed plans to honor him at their next home game on Tuesday.

“West Bromwich Albion Football Club is devastated to learn of the tragic death of a fan following a medical emergency during Saturday’s game at Sheffield Wednesday,” a statement read.

“The club has contacted the fan’s family to convey its condolences and asks that they can mourn in private.

“Our thoughts will remain with the fans’ loved ones at this desperately sad time.”

The club added: “Albion will pay tribute to Baggies fan Mark Townsend during the Championship game against Middlesbrough at The Hawthorns on Tuesday (8pm).

“Mark, aged 57, a Birmingham Road End season ticket holder, passed away on Saturday following a medical emergency during the club’s game at Sheffield Wednesday.

“Carlos Corberán’s men will wear black armbands in the clash with Boro and the club is also inviting fans to join in the applause in the 57th minute.

“The thoughts of everyone at the club remain with Mark’s family at this desperately sad time.”

A club spokesperson added: “The club is in regular contact with the supporter’s family and has again asked them to be able to grieve the loss privately.

“Albion will work with Sheffield Wednesday, the EFL and all relevant parties to establish the circumstances surrounding the fan’s tragic passing.”