MORTON’S Championship match against Queen of the South was abandoned on Saturday after a lifelong supporter tragically died at Cappielow.

Andy Kemp, 74, collapsed due to a suspected heart attack while standing in his regular spot on the Sinclair Street terrace with five minutes played.

After being made aware of the incident on 11 minutes, referee Don Robertson suspended play and ushered both groups of players into the main stand.

St Andrew’s ambulance personnel and paramedics attended the scene and attempted to resuscitate the fan for around 20 minutes, but their brave battle to save his life proved to be in vain.

As Mr Kemp was stretchered towards a waiting ambulance parked at the entrance to the main stand, the crowd broke into a spontaneous and moving round of applause for one of their own.

Some supporters decided that they could not watch a football match after witnessing the devastating events unfold and made for the exits.

Others waited patiently in a hushed and solemn silence and at 3.32pm were officially informed that both clubs had agreed to abandon the game.

A statement read over the tannoy said: “Due to the tragic events of today both clubs have agreed to abandon the game as a mark of respect.

“A date for the rearranged fixture will be announced in due course and admission for the match will be free.” Speaking on Saturday, Crawford Rae, whose concern saw him hurry to the scene as it unfolded, paid tribute to Mr Kemp, the efforts made to save his life and also both sets of supporters.

The ashen-faced stadium director said: “We don’t know exactly what happened. The man just seemed to collapse.

“The emergency services were there and the defibrillator was out immediately. Both our own doctor and the Queen of the South doctor went over to help.

“We recognised the man’s face as he’s been a long-serving supporter of the club.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends of Mr Kemp. The emergency services, the stewards and the police handled the situation very well. Both sets of supporters were magnificent.

“I don’t know what the normal protocol is or who makes the decision; this is something we’ve never experienced before. We just said: ‘the game is being abandoned, there is no other alternative.’ “There was no other way. Life is far bigger than a football game. It’s a mark of respect for human life, the supporter and his family.

“It’s tragic, an absolutely tragic event and knocks home how unimportant football is.” Morton later issued a statement which read: “It was with deep regret that our match today against Queen of the South F.C. was abandoned due to the tragic death of one of our loyal supporters during the game.

“All at Greenock Morton Football Club would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt sympathy to all family and friends of the gentleman concerned.

“We would further like to register our appreciation for the efforts of the emergency services, St Andrew’s First Aiders and Stewards who carried out their duties in a professional and caring manner throughout.

“And finally, our thanks must also go to supporters of both teams who showed patience and great respect as events unfolded.” The visiting side also offered their sympathies.

A club statement said: “We at Queen of the South FC would like to echo those comments and also pay tribute to the efforts of those involved in the attempts to save the man’s life, including our own club doctor Guy Beaumont who was at the match and assisted Morton’s doctors.

“Like our colleagues at Morton we must thank all supporters from both sides for their respectful conduct and offer our condolences to the friends and family of the supporter involved.

“Information with respect to the rearranged fixture will be published when we know it.”