Leyton Orient and Lincoln City fans fume at replay decision after tragic abandonment

Fans from both clubs have displayed their anger at the decision from the EFL Board to replay the game between Leyton Orient and Lincoln City in full

Fasika Zelealem Senior Sports Reporter

20:15, 16 Oct 2023

(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)

Fans of Leyton Orient and Lincoln City have fumed at the decision to replay their fixture in full after the game was abandoned due to the death of a supporter.

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Orient supporter Derek Reynolds collapsed inside Brisbane Road on October 3 as supporters rushed onto the pitch to hold up play in order for the pensioner to receive medical attention. At the time of the emergency, the match - which Orient were leading 1-0 - was in the final 10 minutes and it was abandoned once officials were made aware of the situation.

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Despite the efforts of the medics, the 74-year-old was pronounced dead over by the East Stand having suffered a suspected heart attack. Almost two weeks after the League One fixture, the latest update on how the EFL Board would approach the matter of the game was looked down upon by both sets of fans as the organisation announced it will be replayed in full.

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A statement from the EFL on Monday (October 16) read: "The EFL Board has determined that the Sky Bet League One fixture between Leyton Orient and Lincoln City should be replayed in full following its abandonment on Tuesday, October 3.

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"The game was called off after the referee had taken the players off the pitch in the 84th minute when he was made aware of a medical emergency occurring in the stands, which unfortunately resulted in the passing of Leyton Orient supporter Derek Reynolds.

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Leyton Orient were winning the game 1-0 at the time it was abandoned

The players went down the tunnel after referee Stephen Martin called the match off (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)

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The lifelong O's supporter was 74 years old

Derek Reynolds tragically passed away at the game(Image: Leyton Orient/Twitter)

"Having considered all relevant factors relating to the decision taken by the match officials and club stadium staff on the night, alongside the options available to them in accordance with the Regulations, the Board felt the most appropriate course of action was to reschedule the fixture in full. A new date for the game will be announced by the Clubs in due course."

Orient fans on social media were angered by the decision and were joined by Lincoln City fans, with one posting: "All us Lincoln fans think that’s wrong too." Meanwhile, an O's supporter said the EFL's resolution was an "awful" one as they commented: "Firstly awful decision made would have been happier if they said a point each. And what happens to season card holders do we have to buy a ticket to the game or will the club let us in with the card?"

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Another Orient fan wrote: "I think most of us would have been happy to let the result stand, some things are more important." Another Imps fan said: "Lincoln fan who was there on 3 Oct. I think most of us would have been happy to let the result stand, some things are more important. I hope I can get to the rearranged game and that both sets of supporters can pay tribute to Derek then. And also when you visit us at Easter. RIP."