‘Devoted’ football fan, 63, suddenly died at ground while watching his favourite team as heartbreaking tributes pour in
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A DEVOTED football fan has died suddenly at the ground while watching his favourite team play. Heartbreaking tributes are pouring in for Alec Lumb, 63, a fierce Pompey supporter and "proud" Royal Navy veteran. Alec, from Gospel, Hampshire, tragically died of what is believed to have been a heart attack at the Portsmouth and Middlesbrough game on Saturday, January 18.
![[Photo of a man and woman holding Portsmouth F.C. scarves.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/stadium-death-caring-devoted-football-965988942.jpg?strip=all&w=720)
The family man was described as "very caring" and a "lovely person", who would always help people out whenever he could. Portsmouth Football Club honoured the fan with a photo of him up on the big screen and a note which said: "Remembering Alec Lumb". This was followed by a round of applause by the whole stadium.
A fellow fan and friend posted: "Alec Lumb what a send off… and the boys did you proud on the pitch for the second time in five days…. "I held it together for the minute’s applause but when the players ran over to Sharon Jayne after scoring the second the tears were welling up for you.".
![[Flowers at the Jimmy Dickinson memorial.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/flowers-laid-jimmy-dickinson-memorial-965820645.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Flowers and cards have since been laid by the statue of former footy player Jimmie Dickinson in memory of the dad. His partner of 15 years Sharon said she noticed Alec was slumped in his seat when the players came out onto the pitch. She quickly performed CPR on him and alerted paramedics to the incident.
![[Stadium scoreboard remembering Alec Lumb.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/club-league-logos-live-services-965864391.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Players stopped the game and signalled to the referee and medical staff who treated Alec in the stand. But despite everyone's best efforts Alec tragically passed away soon after. The cause of death hasn't been confirmed but the family believe it was due to cardiac arrest.
