Fan 'stable but critical'

The fan whose suspected heart attack led to the abandonment of Saturday's Wasps against West Hartlepool game was stable but critical in the intensive care unit at Northwick Park Hospital, north-west London, yesterday.

The middle-aged man, who has not been named but is from the London area, collapsed with 12 minutes of the game remaining and Wasps leading 24-16.

Rob Wainwright, the Hartlepool No 8 who is a doctor in the army, went into the stand to help revival attempts, along with the club's physiotherapist Nick Matthews and a paramedic. "There was no way the match could go on and I hope the man will make a full recovery," Wainwright said.

A replay is likely as both clubs are in favour. In addition, league rules allow a match abandoned for reasons other than weather to have its result decided by the organising committee, who can also request that the game be replayed.