An otherwise forgettable match at the Cottage last Saturday will long be remembered by Fulham fans for one family's tragedy.
In the13th minute there was a disturbance at the Hammersmith End as spectators shouted and gesticulated for assistance. A few seats along my row, a long time Fulham supporter named Paul Parish had collapsed with a heart attack. As a feeling of desperate urgency spread through the Hammersmith End, referee Peter Bankes responded by halting the game and then calling the teams off the pitch. Both decisions were warmly applauded.
We left our seats to allow Mr Parish to be moved into the gangway, where he received medical assistance. Stewards and others encircled him using the club's huge black and white banners to create privacy in the midst of a crowd. As the minutes ticked away the paramedics arrived and at last Mr Parish's stretcher was carried along the touchlines to the waiting ambulance.
It is often said that emergencies bring out the best and the crowd's behaviour was exemplary. The speed and commitment of all who assisted also deserved high praise. From where we sat some aspects of the operation raised questions, which the club will surely consider, especially in view of the increased crowds expected next season.
But no one will challenge Chairman Shahid Khan's verdict: "To Marek Rodak and all the supporters nearby who summoned help I am grateful. I join everyone at Fulham FC in commending the work by medics and stewards, whose response to the matter was incomparable. Finally, the response shown by Fulham and Blackpool supporters alike served as a reminder of good in the game of football and the goodness within all of us."
Sadly, we learned early on Saturday evening that Paul had passed away in hospital. He and I regularly exchanged greetings as he made his way to his seat, and that section of row N will seem very strange without him. I offer my deepest sympathy to his family.
His daughter Clare expressed her gratitude by saying: "Thank you to the off-duty doctor in the green T shirt – who was dripping in perspiration after trying so hard to save my wonderful dad's life – and thank you all the pitch medics of Blackpool and Fulham who helped revive my dad after his first arrest, to the fans who held the flags to shield my dad, and to the crowd who helped clear the gangway to allow dad the best care possible.'
She also thanked 'first responders, fans and stadium staff who comforted her, and the NHS staff'.
Whites fan Mick Roots has known the Parish family his entire life. He said they've have been a second family to him: "All of them are Fulham through and through.
"Paul was the eldest and a genuine person, always with a smile on his face. He was a steward at the Riverside Stand back in the day – but would always smile at us and somehow the door would open for us to sneak into the bar after the game."
Paul was one of the few supporters Mick knew who was actually at the Halifax away game where we won 8-0.
"True Fulham supporter through good and bad times, been there and done it. We are still shocked, and he really will be missed. We know he will be with his brother Colin and his dad, Mr P, cheering on the Mighty Whites."
Stalemate
The game, which paled into unimportance, had started promisingly with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Harry Wilson blitzing the Blackpool defence. In the sixth minute an extensive and classy string of passes resulted in Neeskens Kebano and Fabio Carvalho creating a simple goal for Mitro, his 28th in the League this season.
Fulham never recaptured that early dominance after the unavoidable 41-minute break in play. The first half was untidy and littered with fouls, though Rodak did well to save Callum Connolly's free kick and Harrison Reed, having lost the ball, was relieved to see Josh Bowler's effort hit the crossbar. At the other end Mitrovic and Wilson both came within an ace of scoring, only to be frustrated by keeper Daniel Grimshaw or by the woodwork.
In the second half Fulham further relaxed the tempo and the defence sometimes looked fragile. A poorly judged pass by Tosin sent CJ Hamilton clear and the impressive Bowler duly equalised.
The 1-1 draw scarcely damaged Fulham's progress and the match will not be remembered for what happened on the pitch.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
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