Tributes paid to Charlton fan who died at match

Tributes have been paid to a Charlton Athletic supporter who collapsed at Saturday's match against Portsmouth at The Valley.

Norman Barker, 68, who had been attending games since 1968, was taken ill during the 12th minute of the game, receiving medical treatment in the lower tier of the north stand before being taken to hospital where he later died.

Known as "Headphones Norm", he was presented with the supporter of the year accolade by first-team manager Nathan Jones in July.

In a tribute posted online the club said it was "devastated by the loss of one of its most loyal and recognisable faces" and expected to celebrate Mr Barker's life before Tuesday's game against Middlesbrough.

The club added: "Norman will be truly missed by all at Charlton Athletic and everyone at the club sends their heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

"A true beacon of the Addicks faithful, home and away, Norman was affectionately known by fans as Headphones Norm due to his distinctive look, which included a set of headphones either around his neck or in position listening to the latest results coming in, a vest with numerous Charlton and other football-related badges and patches on display and brilliant headwear such as his favourite Davy Crockett hat, proudly emblazoned, of course, with his beloved club's logo."

Dave Lockwood, who is the stadium announcer at The Valley, said the Woolwich fan "epitomised the very nature of what it is to be a true Charlton fan" and was "a recognisable constant in all the years I have supported our club".

He said: "We all knew him, all of us, that's why it hurts so much.

"If there is any comfort in this, he was amongst his friends at a place that he loved.

"The world really is a much worse place without Norm. RIP."

Club staff held a service in memory of Mr Barker behind the Covered End of The Valley on Monday morning.

Club chaplain Matt Baker told BBC London: "I've been chaplain here for 25 years and it's the first time I can remember that something like this has happened during the course of the game.

"Today when we gathered there was a real sense of grief, of sadness, but also of remembering Norm but coming together as a family.

"That word can get used a lot, but there is a strong family sense around Charlton between staff, between fans and players and I think coming together this morning expressed that."

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