Family ‘devastated’ after Robert Rainey’s death in France

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Robert Rainey died during NI's game with Ukraine in France. Credit: PSNI

The family of Northern Ireland fan Robert Rainey, who died in the stands during the team’s match with Ukraine, have said they are ‘devastated’ by their loss.

The family released a statement through the PSNI saying that Robert, aged in his 60s and known to friends as Archie, died “doing what he loved best.”

He was treated by paramedics at the scene, but they were unable to revive him.

“The family wish to confirm the sad news that our father Robert Rainey, known to everyone as Archie, has sadly passed away whilst in France supporting Northern Ireland at the Euros surrounded by all his friends and family, doing what he loved best,” the statement read.

The PSNI said the news had been confirmed by French police.

Superintendent Nigel Goddard said: "Our thoughts are tragically with a second family this week mourning the devastating loss of their loved one. “It is extremely sad that this is the second death of a Northern Ireland fan in France during the Euro 2016 games.

Inside the upper part of the ground, fans left flags, shirts and scarves on seats in tribute to Mr Rainey.

In a statement the Irish Football Association also expressed sadness at the sudden death.

Chief executive Patrick Nelson said: "The fan passed away as he was watching the game in the stadium.

"This puts any result of a football match into perspective.

"The thoughts of the board, management, players and staff are with his family and friends at this sad time."

DUP MLA William Humphrey expressed his sympathy for the family. Credit: Presseye

DUP MLA William Humphrey was at the game in Lyon and said it was tragic news.

“To come out of the stadium and be told by friends and colleagues that Mr Rainey had died, obviously that put a huge dampener on the occasion for all of us,” he said.

“We’re all very sad to hear this news, the second loss of a Northern Ireland supporter.

“Our thoughts and prayers go with his friends who he’s in Lyon with and his family at this very, very sad time.

“I suppose the only consolation for his family is that he lost his life cheering on his beloved Northern Ireland.”