Tragedy as Wales football fan Kevin Davies, 62, dies after travelling to Qatar for World Cup with his son
A WALES football fan who travelled to Qatar for the World Cup has died.
Kevin Davies, from Pembrokeshire, fell ill after making the 3,300-mile trip to the Middle East nation with his son and friends to watch Rob Page’s side compete.
GettyWales fan Kevin Davies, 62, has died in Qatar[/caption]
The 62-year-old is reported to have been rushed to Hamad General Hospital, in Doha, following Wales‘ match against Iran, where he later died.
It is understood Mr Davies suffered a medical incident and did not attend the 2-0 defeat but instead remained at his apartment after feeling ill.
His family and friends are being helped by fan group Football Supporters’ Association Cymru, as well as UK Government officials in Doha.
Football Supporters Association Cymru’s Paul Corkrey told the PA news agency: “He was part of the Red Wall and we’re all devastated for him and his family.
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“We’re all like one big family and we lost one of our family members today.”
Mr Corkrey also paid tribute to Mr Davies’s son and friends, saying they had been very “brave” in the way they had handled the situation.
The British Embassy, Qatari authorities and the Football Association of Wales (FAW), as well as travel company Wonky Sheep, are said to be helping Mr Davie’s son to make all the necessary preparations and fly home.
Wales Football Supporters’ Association’s fan embassy wrote on Twitter: “Unfortunately we have lost one of the Red Wall yesterday in Qatar, our sincere condolences go out to his son here in Doha and his family back in Wales.
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“May he rest in peace.”
Officials believe more than 2,500 Wales supporters have made the trip to Qatar for the tournament.
The Football Association of Wales said: “Our deepest condolences from everyone at the Football Association of Wales.
“Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this sad time.
“The FAW is in contact with Kevin’s family to help in whatever way we can.”
Noel Mooney, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), wrote on Twitter: “So sorry to hear that one of our supporters has passed away here.”
He added: “Our condolences go to the family and of course we are here to support however we can.”
A fellow Wales supporter wrote on social media: “A great man who did so much for his area.
“A true gentleman. Will be mourned and missed.
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Another fan said: “This really does put things into perspective. RIP. Thinking of his family and friends.”
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Qatar.”
