AN ELDERLY Seagulls supporter died after falling ill before the home game against Wolves on Saturday.

Brighton and Hove Albion reported the news from the American Express Community Stadium after the game.

The fan was attending the match with his son, but was taken ill before kick off.

A tribute on the club website reads: “Brighton and Hove Albion are saddened to report that an elderly supporter who was taken unwell ahead of today’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, has died.

“The fan was at the match with his son, and was attended to by the club’s medical staff and taken by ambulance to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, where he passed away.”

Albion chief executive Paul Barber said: “This is very sad news and the thoughts and prayers of all of us at the club are with the gentleman’s family and friends at this time.”

Tributes from Albion players and fans have flooded in since the announcement  Albion defender, Shane Duffy, said “Nobody should ever go to a football game and not come home.

“Thoughts are with the family and friends with the Brighton fan who didn’t make it home.”

Another fan said: “My thoughts go to that Brighton And Hove Albion fan along with his family and friends who very sadly passed away at yesterday’s game with Wolverhampton Wanderers. R.I.P.”

Saturday has been described as a sad day for football following news of the Brighton fan’s death, former England manager Glenn Hoddle falling seriously ill and a helicopter crash at the King Power Stadium in Leicester.

One football fan posted, “Who’s top? Who’s lost? Who’s bottom? Who scored?  “Means nothing.  “A Brighton fan won’t go home to his family, Glen Hoddle is fighting for his life and what’s happened in Leicester is unimaginable.  “Gutted.”

Albion forward Glenn Murray said: “Thoughts and prayers to all affected by yesterday’s events. The Leicester helicopter crash and the elderly Brighton and Hove Albion fan that sadly passed away. Wishing Glenn Hoddle a speedy recovery.  We’re divided by our teams but the football family is united with support for them and their loved ones.”

The Leicester City owner’s helicopter crashed in a car park outside the club’s ground on Saturday. It  was confirmed that club owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was inside the aircraft when it crashed. On Saturday Glenn Hoddle was suffered a heart attack at the BT Sport studios but he was said to be responding to treatment.