Newcastle fan taken ill at Spurs game discharged from hospital
By Sean Walsh
Newcastle United have confirmed that the fan who fell ill in their 3-2 loss at home to Tottenham has now been discharged from hospital.
Alan Smith required four stents to aid his recovery and will spend the next month or so recovering at home, with his son Paul describing the medical staff who have looked after his father as 'amazing'.
The match with Spurs was the first of the post-Mike Ashley era at St James' Park, with fans in a party mood on the day, but Smith's condition changed the atmosphere after falling ill.
Tottenham defenders Sergio Reguilon and Eric Dier were praised for their quick reactions in order to get a defibrillator over to medical staff as soon as possible, and Smith was stabilised at the ground before being taken to hospital.
Newcastle announced on Wednesday that Smith is making great progress in his recovery and has been discharged from Freeman Hospital.
"Alan will spend the next two to four weeks building up his strength at home and hopes to be back at St James' Park at the end of November or the beginning of December," Newcastle said in a statement.
"He is looking forward to seeing family and friends over the next few days and sends his appreciation to everyone who has wished him well.
"His local Constitutional and Unionist Club in Forest Hall, of which Mr Smith is President, will be launching a fundraising event from November 13 to purchase a defibrillator, having seen how important they can be."