Leicester City "legend" and club ambassador Alan Birchenall is in a stable condition after he collapsed at an awards ceremony.
"The Birch", 71, a former Foxes player, was presenting an award at Leicester Tigers' Welford Road stadium when he became unwell on Thursday evening.
BBC Radio Leicester's Martin Ballard said about 500 people remained silent as he was treated by medical staff.
Mr Birchenall is being cared for at Glenfield, a specialist heart hospital.
Mr Birchenall was making a presentation for Club of the Year at the Leicester Mercury Sports Awards when he collapsed.