Superfan Norman Barker, commonly known by fans as ‘Headphones Norm’, was taken il during the match against Portsmouth at The Valley on Saturday (December 6).
The game had to stop in the 12 th minute while fellow fans, first responders and club staff were on hand to assist him – but he later died at hospital.
His family have shared a statement following his death as they said: “The Charlton Athletic community was Norman’s second family.
“He was thrilled to have won the 2024/2025 Colin Cameron Supporter of the Year award, bringing his trophy to our most recent family party at the time.
“He was quite clearly a cherished Charlton fan, a friend to many and very obviously well loved.”
The family added: “Norman died doing what he loved so dearly.”
Mr Barker was a regular fixture at matches, home and away, for four decades, always spotted at the Valley donning his headphones, Charlton emblem-adorned ‘Davy Crockett’ hat, and his vest sporting a multitude of football-related badges.
He was the living embodiment of an ardent Addick, forever cheering his team on through thick and thin.
Manager Nathan Jones recalled: “I had the pleasure of meeting Norman in the summer when I presented him with the Colin Cameron Supporter of the Year award at the Hall of Fame event.
“He was the type of character who epitomised the club – he was Charlton through and through.”
The Charlton boss also praised the club’s staff and supporters for their response: “The way the club came together when a member of the Charlton family was suffering on Saturday was something we can all be proud of.
“As a club, we’ll honour Norman in the right way tomorrow evening and in the days ahead.”
