Last night’s final Champions League of men’s handball, between Magdeburg and Kielce (Poland), held in the Lanxess Arena of Cologne, was marked by a tragic incident.

The 72-year-old Polish journalist, Pavel Kotvica, suffered an interruption in the 47th minute of the match, as a result of which he passed away shortly afterwards. The unfortunate man suddenly collapsed and despite the first aid given to him, although he appeared to be responding, it was not possible to revive him.

For about 15 minutes the final was stopped while the medical staff and people from both teams tried to save the Polish journalist. The organizers covered the area with curtains and for a moment Kotvica appeared to regain consciousness, but a little later he breathed his last in the hospital.

While the Polish man received first aid the Magdeburg coach, Bennett Wiegerthe approached his counterpart, Taland Dzhusbaev, and suggested to him to end the final at that point, while his team was trailing by one goal (22-21).

His proposal was not accepted and the final ended normally with Magdeburg winning 30-29 in overtime (26-26 on aggregate) and winning the Champions League.