A football fan collapsed and died outside Withdean stadium just minutes before Albion kicked off their new year's day match.

The Albion fan, a 67-year-old man from Surrey, collapsed outside the stadium, in Tongdean Lane, Brighton, at about 2.40pm today.

Stewards, police and paramedics went to his aid and tried to resuscitate him. The fan was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

It is believed he was with family members at the time of his collapse.

Eyewitnesses today spoke of their shock at the incident which happened just minutes before Albion's match against Bournemouth.

Albion fan Rick Barber, 30, of Portslade, said: "I walked past and they were trying to resuscitate him.

"Then they put white screens around him so people couldn't see what was happening. It really didn't look good and my heart goes out to his family."

The man's next of kin are being informed and a post-mortem examination will be held this week.

Did you know the fan? Leave your tributes below.