League Two match delayed an hour as air ambulance lands on pitch to treat fan

Saturday's League Two clash between Newport County and Notts County kicked off an hour late after two air ambulances landed on the pitch to treat a fan. The supporter had been taken ill in the stands more than half an hour before the game was due to kick off, with the match eventually getting underway at 4pm.

League Two fans were able to see their sides in competitive action once again on Saturday as the 2025/26 season got underway. MK Dons, who are the favourites to win the title, hosted Oldham Athletic, while Crewe Alexandra travelled to Salford City, who are owned by a group led by former Manchester United stars David Beckham and Gary Neville.

Down in south Wales, with Newport's opener against Notts County fast approaching, there was concern for a supporter at Rodney Parade after they fell ill.

And after the emergency services were called, an air ambulance landed on the pitch to provide the supporter with medical attention.

A second air ambulance then arrived as club officials asked fans and members of the media to evacuate the stadium.

The Newport County X (formerly Twitter) page kept supporters abreast of the situation as a post at 2.26pm read: "Due to a supporter being taken ill in the stands, an air ambulance has landed on the pitch.

"A delay to kick-off is likely, with more details to follow ASAP. We send our very best wishes to the individual concerned."

At just after 3pm, Newport explained in a second post: "The medical situation is still ongoing. At present, the plan is for the match to commence at an agreed time which allows both teams to warm-up sufficiently after the two air ambulances depart.

"We will keep supporters updated and continue to send our well wishes to the affected individual."

And 10 minutes later, a third post stated: "Kick-off for today's match has now been scheduled for 4pm. Everyone at Newport County sends their best wishes to the individual concerned. We'd also like to thank all of the supporters for their patience."

A second match in League Two was also delayed on Saturday after one of the assistant referees sustained an injury midway through the first half.

The assistant referee was replaced by the fourth official, with club chiefs putting an announcement out over the PA system to ask for assistance from any fans who have obtained qualifications to work as a referee.

The match was suspended for over 10 minutes as the players were taken off the pitch, before it ultimately resumed. The clash eventually ended in a 0-0 draw.