A Charlton Athletic supporter who collapsed during Saturday’s match against Portsmouth at The Valley has received tributes.

Norman Barker, 68, who had been attending games since 1968, became ill during the 12th minute of the game and was treated in the lower tier of the north stand before being transported to the hospital, where he eventually died.

In July, first-team manager Nathan Jones named him “Headphones Norm” as the club’s supporter of the year.

In a memorial put online, the club claimed that it was “devastated by the loss of one of its most loyal and recognisable faces” and planned to commemorate Mr Barker’s life before Tuesday’s game against Middlesbrough.

The organisation continued: “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 appearance, 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, the stadium announcer at The Valley, said the Woolwich supporter “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 went on:

“We all knew him, all of us, that’s why it hurts so much.” If it’s any comfort, he was with his pals in a place he enjoyed. “The world would be a far worse place without Norm. RIP.”

On Monday morning, club staff performed a memorial service for Mr Barker behind the Covered End of The Valley.

Club chaplain Matt Baker told BBC London, “I’ve been chaplain here for 25 years, and this is the first time I can remember something like this happening during the game.”

Today, there was a sense of grief, sadness, and remembering Norm while coming together as a family.

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

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