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A football fan watching his team’s crucial last match of the season died from a suspected aneurysm as he realised they were going to be relegated.

The 42-year-old Doncaster Rovers supporter collapsed as he watched his beloved club slip to a 1-0 defeat at Leicester City.

The fan, named locally as Ray Dunning, was struck down near the end of the game, as he discovered relegation rivals Birmingham City had scored a crucial goal - sending his team crashing out of the Championship.

His grieving wife Angela, 44, today told how he died “doing something he loved.”

The “avid” Vikings fan was given CPR at the ground by paramedics who arrived at the away fans seating enclosure at the King Power stadium.

A supporter at the game said: “He seemed to collapse just after we heard about Birmingham winning and Rovers getting relegated. He looked like he was in a bad way.”

Ray, who was also an amateur cricketer for Doncaster club Eden Grove Parklands CC, was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary but was later pronounced dead.

Sports fans were united in their sympathy and Ray’s wife thanked them in messages posted on Facebook and Twitter.

She wrote on Twitter: “Ray died doing something he loved, watching Rovers play. He dies peacefully. My family thank you all for the condolences.”

On Facebook, Angela added: “He was a long-time Doncaster Rovers supporter and hardly missed a game over his lifetime.

“It was an aneurysm not a heart attack. Thank you once again. Ange and family.”

Rovers midfielder David Cotterill had tweeted: “Relegation hurtful but the fan who lost his life today puts everything into perspective. Thoughts with all the family for their loss.”

And former Rovers chairman John Ryan added: “I just wanted to pass on my sincere condolences to the friends and family of Ray Dunning. I know he was a true supporter. RIP.”

A statement from Eden Grove Parklands CC said: “It is with regret that I have to inform you of the sudden death of a loyal colleague of ours Ray Dunning who sadly died yesterday while watching his beloved Doncaster Rovers with his wife Ange and our condolences go out to Ange, family and friends.

“We were all looking forward to Ray renewing his cricket with us for another year. He will be sadly missed for his cricket and banter.”

Sheffield Wednesday fan Terry Hibberd wrote: “Heard a Donny Rovers fan died today near the end of their game. Football divides but also unites. RIP.”

Leicester City supporter Lorna Baker tweeted: “RIP to Ray Dunning, the Doncaster fan who sadly passed away at yesterday’s game. Thoughts are with your family and friends.”

A fellow Foxes fan added: “We should retire the away seat that Ray Dunning was sat in yesterday.”