Auxerre to honour Christopher, the supporter who died during an amateur match in the Yonne

The collapse came at about 4.30pm on Sunday, early in the second half, on the pitch at Mont-Saint-Sulpice in the Yonne. Christopher, 47, was playing for AS Montoise against Union Vergigny-Saint-Florentin Portugais, a third-division district league game. Complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath, he suffered a cardiac arrest; a firefighter who was by the pitch and spectators helped him until the fire brigade revived him. RMC Sport reports that he was then placed in a coma at the hospital in Auxerre, where he died in the evening.

“A devoted supporter of the AJA”

A father of two, both registered with AS Montoise, Christopher was deeply involved in the life of his village club. At the Abbé-Deschamps, he stood on the other side of the barrier. “A season-ticket holder at the Abbé Deschamps, Christopher was, like his children, a devoted supporter of the AJA,” the club wrote, sending “its most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones” in a message relayed by RMC Sport and So Foot. A tribute is planned on Sunday, before the game against Le Mans.

“A real rethink” on medical cover

Christophe Caillet, president of the Yonne district, reacted in the columns of La Dépêche: “It is an absolute tragedy. There is a real rethink to be had in the coming months, so that our sport can be better supervised medically.” AS Montoise has opened an online fundraising page to support his family.

On Sunday, at the Abbé-Deschamps, matchday eight of Ligue 1 will open with the tribute to Christopher, before Auxerre host Le Mans.