A DEVOTED football fan has died suddenly at the ground while watching his favourite team play.
Heartbreaking tributes are pouring in for Alec Lumb, 63, a fierce Pompey supporter and “proud” Royal Navy veteran.
Alec, from Gospel, Hampshire, tragically died of what is believed to have been a heart attack at the Portsmouth and Middlesbrough game on Saturday, January 18.
The family man was described as “very caring” and a “lovely person”, who would always help people out whenever he could.
Portsmouth Football Club honoured the fan with a photo of him up on the big screen and a note which said: “Remembering Alec Lumb”.
This was followed by a round of applause by the whole stadium.
A fellow fan and friend posted: “Alec Lumb what a send off… and the boys did you proud on the pitch for the second time in five days…
“I held it together for the minute’s applause but when the players ran over to Sharon Jayne after scoring the second the tears were welling up for you.“
Flowers and cards have since been laid by the statue of former footy player Jimmie Dickinson in memory of the dad.
His partner of 15 years Sharon said she noticed Alec was slumped in his seat when the players came out onto the pitch.
She quickly performed CPR on him and alerted paramedics to the incident.
Players stopped the game and signalled to the referee and medical staff who treated Alec in the stand.
But despite everyone’s best efforts Alec tragically passed away soon after.
The cause of death hasn’t been confirmed but the family believe it was due to cardiac arrest.
He left behind Sharon, his daughters Hannah and Rebecca, step-daughters Lauren and Shannon – and brother and sister, Ian and Sue.
Sue said the family were incredibly touched by the support they’ve received, which has included a whopping £8,900 in donations.
Despite the emotional turmoil of losing her elder brother she said she took comfort in the fact he died doing what he loved.
Shortly before the game he posted on Facebook about his excitement.
She told The News: “He was in his favourite place when it happened. I saw his post on Facebook that he was at the match and that was probably the last thing he ever wrote. He was so pleased to be there.”
Alec’s devotion to Pompey began when his dad started taking him to games at the age of eight.
The passion for his football team was so strong, his whole family began supporting Pompey too.
The 63-year-old dad was also a Navy veteran for 25 years.
Sue, who works at Navy HQ, recalled her emotional first day back at work, as lots of people shared fond memories of her brother.
In their heartwarming tributes, colleagues referred to Alec as a caring and lovely man, adding he would always help others.
Sue said: “Loads of people came up to give me hugs, It’s a good job I had a box of tissues on my desk.”
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