Family of Northern Ireland fan who collapsed and died in the stands during Euro 2016 clash pay tribute
Robert Rainey 'died doing what he loved'
THE devastated family of a Northern Ireland fan who collapsed at the Ukraine match say he died doing what he loved.
Robert Rainey, whose nickname was Archie, fell ill 45 minutes into the game at the Stade de Lyon.
Fellow Northern Ireland supporters rushed to help the 64-year-old Belfast man.
A number of fans gave CPR to Mr Rainey whose heart had stopped and put him in the recovery position in the stand.
He was treated by paramedics who were unable to revive him.
A family statement said: “The family wish to confirm the sad news that our father Robert Rainey, known to everyone as Archie, has sadly passed away whilst in France supporting Northern Ireland at the Euros surrounded by all his friends and family, doing what he loved best.
"We are obviously devastated at this loss, and thankful for everyone’s thoughts and prayers."
NI supporter and witness Mark Gourley said everything had been done to try to save him.
He said: “To the family and friends of the Northern Ireland fan who sadly lost his life tonight in Lyon, I was sitting two seats away and trust me us Northern Ireland fans did all we could to bring him back until the medics came.
"We gave him CPR, put him in the recovery position and made him comfortable.
"Northern Ireland scored not long after and I believe he was looking down on them cheering like the rest of us.
“My heart goes out to everyone who knows him."
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A response team scrambled to the Northern Ireland stand and blankets were put in place to cover the stricken fan.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: “We are providing support to the family of a British national who has sadly died in France. He died of natural causes.”
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that the man, in his sixties, sadly passed away.
Reportedly members of the Green and White Army, who witnessed the incident, left their flags in tribute as they filed out of the packed stadium.
Fans were deeply subdued after the incredible Northern Ireland 2-0 win, according to .
Arrangements are now underway to help the man's family and have his body brought back to Northern Ireland.
It is understood a postmortem will not have to take place.
This is the second time a Northern Ireland supporter has died at the Euros.
Darren Rogers, 24, was pronounced dead when he accidentally fell from a wall in Nice in the early hours of Monday morning.
His body will be sent home to Northern Ireland later this week.
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