Why Birmingham's key Championship game at Rotherham was stopped and finished late

Birmingham’s huge game at Rotherham at the bottom of the Championship table was stopped for nearly 30 minutes today while medics dealt with an emergency incident in the stands.

Referee Keith Stroud stopped play after eight minutes and escorted the players off the pitch as medical treatment was given to the fan inside the New York Stadium. The score was 0-0 at the time.

Play resumed at 3.45pm. At 3.30pm, the Millers tweeted: ‘The supporter has now left the stadium with medical professionals. We would like to thank everyone for their compassion and patience and it goes without saying that all our love and thoughts are with the casualty. 

‘We would ask that the supporter's privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.’

They added a short time later: ‘We cannot put into words our gratitude to the paramedics, medical professionals and both sets of supporters for the incredibly compassionate way in which such a difficult situation has been handled. Sincerely, from every single one of us at Rotherham United, thank you.’

The Birmingham City official X account, tweeted: ‘We would like to thank everyone for their compassion and patience. We send all our best wishes to those involved.’

When the action resumed, Blues were unable to break down a Rotherham defence that had been tightened up following manager Steve Evans’ arrival in mid-week.

Gary Rowett’s side were also unable to capitalise on Huddersfield’s 4-0 home defeat at the hands of Swansea - a result which leaves the third-from-bottom Terriers just two points behind 21st-placed Birmingham with two games remaining.

The point earned by already-relegated Rotherham was just their seventh in the league since the turn of the year.