Spectator who died at Gorleston FC home game against Basildon United in FA Vase match is named

John Bailey collapsed in the second half of the game between Gorleston FC and Basildon United in FA Vase 3rd round fixture.

Play was suspended during Gorleston's home game at Emerald Park in Woodfarm Lane and officials attempted to resuscitate him.

Mr Bailey was described as a 'friend of the management' by the club's director of football Carl Butler. He was the father-in-law of Gorleston's goalkeeper Taurean Molloy.

The ambulance service were on the scene within five minutes and the air ambulance was called and landed on the pitch.

The air ambulance lands on the pitch at Emerald Park, Gorleston FC's ground. Photo: Twitter/@essexfootie (Image: Twitter/@essexfootie)

Despite attempts to resuscitate him, he died at around 5pm.

The club's secretary Colin Bray said he wanted to pass on his and the club's condolences to Mr Bailey's family and friends.

'We have asked the league for their permission, as a mark of respect, to call off Tuesday's match against Team Bury in the League Challenge Cup,' he added.

Mr Bray praised the ambulance staff and club officials for their response.

'They were great and did everything the could. The paramedics said everyone at the club did a terrific job but nothing more could be done.'

In a post on the team's website, the club's fixture secretary David Hardy wrote: 'Despite the best efforts of Gorleston FC officials, paramedics and air ambulance crew, the spectator sadly died at the scene. Gorleston FC send its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the man.

'Although the result doesn't matter in these circumstances, it will now be for the FA to decide whether the match will have to be replayed or if the scoreline stands.

'Basildon were leading 1-0 at the time of the abandonment with four and a half minutes left on the referee's watch.'