Tributes to Bluebirds fan who died after falling at stadium

A DEDICATED Cardiff City fan died after falling down a flight of steps while watching the Bluebirds away at Blackburn on Tuesday night.

Mike Jones, from Barry, was a regular on the Cardiff City supporters bus from Barry. He had travelled to Ewood Park to watch the Championship match.

Towards the end of the game Mr Jones is believed to have fallen ill with chest pains and began to made his way to the exit.

He is then understood to have lost consciousness, fallen down steps and suffered a head injury.

Mr Jones was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital but later died.

The North West Ambulance Service confirmed they were called to Ewood Park at about 9.42pm after reports of a man who had fallen and suffered a head injury.

Stuart Caley, stadium safety officer at Ewood Park, said: “Mr Jones was taken ill at the stadium. We believe he was about to leave and was making his way to the coach. After reaching a position at the top of the steps he is thought to have suffered a medical incident and lost consciousness, which resulted in him falling. A member of staff who attempted to help him also fell down flights of steps.

“Mr Jones received immediate attention from paramedics and the stadium doctor and was transferred to hospital where he sadly died. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”

Both Blackburn Rovers and Cardiff City have also sent their condolences to family and friends of Mr Jones.

A Cardiff City statement said: “It’s with great sadness that Cardiff City FC learned of the passing of supporter Mike Jones, of Barry, overnight.

“Mike had attended the Bluebirds’ fixture with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park before being taken ill at the end of the game. We offer our sincere condolences to Mike’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

They thanked Blackburn Rovers and the emergency services staff who helped Mr Jones, adding: “A tribute to Mike’s life will be placed in this Saturday’s programme.”

Blackburn Rovers also wrote on Twitter: “Everyone at Rovers are saddened to learn of the passing of @CardiffCityFC fan Mike Jones following last night’s game. Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

A number of other tributes have also been posted online. Cardiff City fan Annis Abraham tweeted: “RIP Mike Jones.”

Another user, Matt Prince, wrote: “Sad news regarding @CardiffCityFC fan Mike Jones. My thoughts are with you all.”

Sam Russell said: “Always a regular on the supporters coach from Barry, thoughts with his friends and family at this sad time. RIP Mike.”

Meanwhile a supporter wrote on the Cardiff City Forum: “Always a friendly face when getting on the supporters coach at Barry, one of the loyals. Such a sad loss. Thoughts with his friends and family at this sad time. RIP Mike.”

Another said: “RIP Mike Jones a good friend and a lovely guy.”