A SCOTTISH Premier League match between Kilmarnock and Hibernian was abandoned after a fan collapsed.

The man was given medical treatment at the side of the Rugby Park pitch after falling ill five minutes into the second half yesterday afternoon.

Medical staff from both clubs helped paramedics before an ambulance drove pitchside to transfer the supporter to hospital, where he later died.

The match was stopped by referee Kevin Clancy with the teams drawing 1-1 and the players left the pitch as the seriousness of the situation became clear.

Police said the man, who is aged between 50 and 60, was taken to Crosshouse hospital.

Inspector Sean Mangan, the match commander, said: "A supporter was taken ill in the East Stand.

"It is looking like a possible suspected heart attack – it is certainly serious enough that the club, in conjunction with the police and the SPL fourth official, decided out of respect for the male and possibly his family that the match would be abandoned."

Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston said the man is a long standing season ticket holder.

He said: "We had all the relevant medical teams on hand to give emergency first aid.

"Obviously our thoughts are with his family."

In March last year Kilmarnock's League Cup-winning celebrations were cut short by the death of midfielder Liam Kelly's father at the match.

Jack Kelly was rushed to hospital after the Ayrshire club's victory over Celtic at Hampden but he died within hours of the final whistle.

deborah.anderson@ eveningtimes.co.uk