Reece James visits Chelsea fan in hospital who ‘died for 20 minutes’ after suffering a heart attack in the stands during the Blues’ 4-4 clash against Man City

• The Blues captain implored his fans to always ‘show love’ in the heartful post 
• James is continuing his recovery at Chelsea rather on international duty
• Southgate’s loyalty to his players is an issue and a weakness – It’s All Kicking Off 

Chelsea captain Reece James revealed that he has paid a visit to a Blues fan who suffered a heart attack during the west London side’s 4-4 clash against Manchester City last week. 

The defender featured in the Stamford Bridge thriller on Sunday which saw Mauricio Pochettino’s players hold the English champions to a pacy home draw and continue their unbeaten record against the Premier League’s top four. 

But as James confirmed on his Instagram account on Thursday night, the match was marred by a medical emergency which took place in the stands. 

Medics worked hard to save a fan’s life after he suffered a heart attack whilst watching the game, and the supporter is currently recovering in hospital. 

Sharing details in a heartful post via his Instagram Stories, James wrote: ‘I visited a hospital this evening to see a Chelsea fan that had a heart attack at our game against Man City, he was dead for 20 mins and the medics managed to save his life.

Reece James visited a Chelsea fan in hospital on Thursday evening after the supported fell ill at Stamford Bridge

James’ post on Instagram Stories revealed that the man had ‘died for 20 minutes’ in the stands

The captain featured in the eight-goal home thriller that was marred by medical emergency

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‘He was a strong man with an amazing family, I’m so happy he’s recovering well (prayer hands emoji).

‘Life is so precious and unpredictable,’ the 23-year-old added. ‘Anything could happen at any point, so enjoy every moment even when things are tough.

‘Be kind and always show love, you never know what people are going through or what is round the corner. 

‘Stay well and see you soon. Reece,’ the England international signed off, before sharing a picture of himself with the fan in question. 

James has previously used his social media platform to promote consideration for the wellbeing of others, at the end of last season sharing a personal diary entry which offered rare insight into the impact of a 2022-23 campaign sidelined due to injury. 

‘Injuries affect me so much. When I’m not playing, I feel like the world’s against me,’ James wrote. ‘The smallest of things will send me wild. It ain’t right or normal but it is what it is. 

‘I try so hard but mentally it’s tough, super tough, and draining. The outside world think this “football life” is the perfect life, well let me tell you it’s far from that. Many people won’t ever know what it’s like but it’s a crazy journey, full of highs and lows.’

The right back has had a stuttered start to the 2023-24 season since being handed the captain’s armband by Pochettino over the summer, after picking up a hamstring injury during Chelsea’s opening day clash with Liverpool. 

Since working his way back to full fitness, James has had just two Premier League starts – the second coming against Man City – as his head coach continues to manage his minutes. 

During the clash with Pep Guardiola’s side, James bagged his first Premier League assist of the season setting up team-mate Raheem Sterling

The 23-year-old has been working back to full fitness and Man City represented only his third Premier League start this season

The defender is erring on the side of caution after persistent injury and is staying with Chelsea instead of joining up with Gareth Southgate’s England

But the skipper was in fine form against Pep Guardiola’s side, setting up team-mate Raheem Sterling with the assist for the team’s second in the eight-goal contest. 

During this international break, James opted against accepting a call-up from Gareth Southgate as he continues his recovery after a number of conversations with the England manager. 

Whilst Southgate expressed mild concern that with only one camp left before Euro 2024, James should be aware of the ‘risk’ of there being a lot of talent in the position, the head coach also acknowledged that the player was keen to take part when fully fit. 

Pochettino added that James is ‘desperate to go to the national team’, and that Chelsea and the FA played a role in making the decision for him.  

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

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