Lifelong fan tragedy

Watford fan dies after collapsing in the away end at the Hawthorns following the match with West Brom

Ray Batchelor was a 83 year old lifelong supporter of Watford and was in the 2,750 away crowd when he tragically collapsed

By Dan Pellegrini

3rd December 2016, 11:01 pm

Updated: 3rd December 2016, 11:06 pm

TRIBUTES have flooded in for the 83 year old Ray Batchelor who died after he collapsed watching his beloved Watford at the Hawthorns.

Police tried to revive Batchelor before he was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Reuters

Watford fans mourn the death of lifelong fan

The lifelong Watford fan had complained of feeling unwell as reported by before the incident took place.

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Former club announcer Richard Short wrote on Facebook: “Tonight I write with a heavy heart as we hear the terribly sad news that Ray Batchelor passed away today after watching Watford this afternoon.”

“The Watford family are thinking of you all and will be in our prayers – RIP Ray.”

Getty Images

Ray Batchelor died after falling ill at the Hawthorns

Getty Images

Watford and West Brom observe a minutes silence for the victims of the plane crash involving the Brazilian club Chapecoense

More supporters paid tribute to the 83 year old on Twitter:

We are saddened to hear about the sad loss of Watford fan Ray Batchelor who sadly passed away at today's game.
REST IN PEACE

— The Blue Union (@TheBlueUnion)

No one should ever go to a football game and not make it home, such sad news today 🙁 RIP Ray Batchelor 🐝

— Steve Barber (@BarberWFC)

GREEN, DEAN GRASS OF HOME

World Cup pitch makes its Premier League debut at Bournemouth when Liverpool come to town

empty-had again

Manchester City are not selling out the Etihad and this has been going on for some time

RIP Ray Batchelor. Actually cannot believe it. Lovely, lovely man X

— Frankie (@Louis_French1)

"Here's to you Ray Batchelor, Watford loves you more than you would know, woah"

— HornetEffect (@HornetEffect)

Thoughts with Ray Batchelor & his family and friends. Awful news. 🐝😞 are all here for you. X

— Emma Saunders (@emma_saund)

Its the second time this season a fan has died attending a Premier League match, when an Everton fan died in August watching his team play Stoke City at Goodison Park.

Again Police were on the scene to give CPR but it was not enough as the 51 year old man passed away in Aintree Hospital.

Football is still reeling from the news of Brazilian football team Chapecoense being virtually wiped out in a horrific plane crash in Colombia.

Watford supporters are set to give Batchelor a standing ovation in the 83rd minute in the clubs next home match against Everton Saturday lunch time.

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