Town CEO Mark Ashton has confirmed that the supporter in the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand who was taken ill at half-time during Friday’s 0-0 draw with QPR died.

Season ticket holder Ann Austin was treated in the stand by medical staff before being taken to a waiting ambulance, delaying the start of the second half by 20 minutes, but sadly died.

Ashton wrote to fans in a statement: “The club and I are deeply saddened to report the passing of Anne Austin.

Anne, a lifelong Town supporter and long-time season ticket holder, was treated in the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand after falling ill during the club’s fixture with Queens Park Rangers on Friday evening and sadly passed away at Portman Road at the age of 81. We have been in communication with Anne’s family to offer support.

“The players and coaching staff will wear black armbands for the away fixture with Stoke City on New Year’s Day as a mark of respect, with the deepest condolences of all at the club offered to Anne’s family and friends at this sad time.

“I am sure you can appreciate this is a difficult time for Anne’s family and we all send them our love and support.”

Since the match, messages of condolence to the relatives and friends of Anne, who it's understood was attending the match with family, have appeared on social media, as well TWTD, from supporters of both the Blues and visitors QPR.

Photo: Matchday Images

ITFC1990 added 17:39 - Dec 31 Such sad news - my thoughts are with all her friends and family at this time. Let’s get 3 points for Anne tomorrow boys!
16

finidi added 18:04 - Dec 31 Just heard the sad news,if she died at PR as reported why wasn't game called off out of respect?
-7

MK1 added 18:04 - Dec 31 Such sad news. Thoughts and best wishes go to family and friends.
7

TimmyH added 18:06 - Dec 31 Very sad!...RIP Anne, hopefully the club will do her proud and reach the summit next season.
5

blues1 added 18:06 - Dec 31 Very sad R.I.P. Condolences to her family and friends.
3

Paulc added 18:07 - Dec 31 Very sad news. 3 points for Anne tomorrow. I hope the supporters in the adjacent stand where I was that felt the need need to video and photograph this, take the time to reflect on their actions.
17

Marcus added 18:14 - Dec 31 81st minute applause at the next home game would be honourable, if somewhat understated.
15

itfcbam added 18:24 - Dec 31 Tragic news RIP, thoughts are with family and friends at this difficult time. 100% agreed Paulc. Was in upper tier of West Stand and disgusting to see so many with their phones out and sending images / videos. Bet they would feel different if 1 of their own family. Absolutely embarrassing but a sad indictment of our society that by many it perceived to be normal behaviour.

7

ArnieM added 18:54 - Dec 31 TimmyH : was that the lady’s name, Anne? RIP Anne, a Tractor-Girl to the end . God bless you -X-
0

ArnieM added 18:56 - Dec 31 Edit: sorry I can see that from the report… didn’t read it fully. Apologies.
0

BlueArrow added 19:02 - Dec 31 Always sad to lose a Blue. Condolences to the family and friends. RIP Anne
0

Davidwb20 added 19:32 - Dec 31 Very sad news - RIP Anne, my thoughts are with Family and Friends at this very sad time.
1

cooper4england added 20:11 - Dec 31 @findi not sure what axe you are grinding here but paramedics are unlikely to announce a death in situ and would be working on this poor lady till she got to the hospital. Condolences to the family.
4

Churchman added 20:16 - Dec 31 Sad news. In a peculiar way, if Anne had to leave us, where better than at her beloved football club? Condolences to her family.
5

gosblue added 20:33 - Dec 31 She’s one of our own. Our thoughts go out to Anne’s loved ones. God bless you Anne.
0

WestSussexBlue added 20:51 - Dec 31 RIP Anne, how ironic 81. Will be remembered fondly and hopefully with a special memorial in the remembrance garden. Condolences to her family.
0

JimInGreensboro added 00:35 - Jan 1 Very sad, indeed. There is some comfort in knowing he passed while doing what he loved, cheering on the Blues at Portman Road.
0

JimInGreensboro added 00:40 - Jan 1 *she loved
0

Westy added 01:19 - Jan 1 Very sad to hear this. Certainly puts things in perspective. Applause on 81 at Stoke would certainly be appropriate.
1

PortmanTerrorist added 12:09 - Jan 1 A tragedy but dispute comments on here the crowd remained respectful throughout, despite the delay to the game. There will always be a daft minority but this is not the time to point fingers when we have lost one of our own. Never been involved in a situation like that, but was proud of our behaviour (and that of QPR fans too) and whilst it is of no comfort to family am sure, she obviously died somewhere she loved being surrounded by both her own and her ITFC family. RIP Anne

1

Robert_Garrett added 12:17 - Jan 1 Anne Austin a True Blue Forever. Dedicate the three points at Stoke to Anne's memory?
0

PresuminEd added 12:20 - Jan 1 So sad. And, yes, QPR fans have been very respectful on their forum, I noticed.
1

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