Fan in "life-threatening condition" after collapsing during Sunderland vs Burton

A football fan is in a serious condition after collapsing during Sunderland's clash with Burton Albion on Tuesday evening.

The medical emergency happened in the West Stand at Stadium of Light shortly before 8pm, halting the League One fixture for around 45 minutes.

Northumbria Police have since confirmed the man was taken to a nearby hospital and is currently in a "life-threatening condition".

"Police were in attendance at the Sunderland v Burton Albion match yesterday when a man in the stands collapsed," read a police statement on Wednesday morning.

"At around 7.50pm, paramedics attended the scene and the man was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition.

"Police have been stood down from this incident and we wish the man a full recovery in the hands of medical professionals."

New Sunderland manager Alex Neil and his opposite number Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink sent their best wishes to the supporter after the game, which finished 1-1.

"Our thoughts are with the lad and his family," said Neil. "There's nothing worse than when something to happens one of your own, and you feel helpless.

"I don't know what the outcome of it [the medical attention] is but our thoughts are with him and his family."

Burton manager Hasselbaink added: "I hope that he [the supporter] recovers really well. Our thoughts are with him and his family... the person is more important than the game."

Several football games this calendar year have been suspended due to medical emergencies, including the recent clash between Newcastle and Aston Villa.

A Fulham supporter passed away after suffering a heart attack during his team's game against Blackpool at Craven Cottage in January.

As reported by The Independent, the increase of suspensions due to medical emergencies is down to the health and safety of supporters being prioritised over the football action.

As Tuesday's emergency at the Stadium of Light unfolded, Sunderland's Twitter account wrote: "Everyone at Sunderland sends the supporter our very best wishes."

Burton's Twitter account added: "Our thoughts and best wishes go to the supporter involved in the home section of the crowd."

Tuesday's result leaves Sunderland sixth in League One, one point above Wycombe Wanderers in seventh and 10 points behind Wigan Athletic in second.

Burton, meanwhile, are mid-table - 12 points off the play-off spots and 14 points clear of the relegation zone.

Rotherham United are currently leading the way at the top of the table, nine points ahead of MK Dons in third with a game in hand.

Oxford United and Plymouth Argyle are the other two teams currently occupying the play-off positions.

Several clubs remain in the hunt for promotion to the Championship, including Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich Town and Bolton Wanderers.

At the other end of the table, Crewe Alexandra are 24th - ten points from safety after losing seven consecutive league games.

Four teams are relegated from League One each season, with Morecambe, Doncaster Rovers and Gillingham also sitting in the drop zone.