Newcastle fan 'up and walking about' following St James' Park collapse
By Max Cooper
The Newcastle United supporter who collapsed and received emergency treatment during the clash with Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park on Sunday is 'up and walking about,' the club have confirmed.
Play was temporarily suspended while Alan George Smith received emergency medical care and was stabilised at the stadium, before being rushed to hospital where his condition was monitored.
? The family of Alan George Smith, the fan who required urgent medical care at St. James' Park on Sunday, have released a statement updating supporters on his condition.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 20, 2021
He is now fully alert and is up & walking about but remains in hospital while further tests are carried out.
He was then moved to the Freeman Hospital to receive specialist care for his illness, where he is continuing his recovery. Newcastle confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that Alan is 'making great progress', while his son Paul placed on record his gratitude to the doctors and nurses who administered CPR and saved his father's life.
"We are pleased to advise that Alan is making great progress, is now fully alert and is up and walking about," Paul Smith said. "He will remain in hospital over the next few days while further tests are carried out.
"He and our family would like to say thank you to his friend, Don Williamson, who was with him at the time and alerted everyone to his condition.
"We would also like to thank and pay tribute to the doctors and nurses who administered CPR, the paramedics from North East Ambulance Service, St John’s Ambulance, fans and stewards at the scene, as well the medical staff at the RVI and Freeman Hospital. We will be forever grateful.
"We would also like to say thank you to all of the people who have wished Alan well on social media and the players and staff of both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, especially Jamaal Lascelles who has sent a personal message. It meant so much to Alan.
"He is looking forward to getting back to St. James’ Park as soon as possible."
The football world united to send its best wishes to Alan Smith on Sunday, after his health scare unfolded on live television during Newcastle's clash with Tottenham at St James' Park.
Spurs stars Sergio Reguilon and Eric Dier were praised for their quick thinking in alerting the referee to the situation and requesting a defibrillator to be sent into the stands, while supporters proved to be heroes by performing CPR and helping the medical staff in their work.