“He had fallen from the promenade on to rock beach”, he said. “It seems it was drink. Because he was drinking he crossed the barrier and fell eight metres”, he said.
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Nice’s Promenade des Anglais is famed as a landmark of the city and runs for some four miles. Below it lies a rocky pebble beach.
Russia’s Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko on Sunday criticised the behaviour of his country’s fans following the disturbances and conceded Uefa was likely to impose a fine, but he also laid the blame on the match organisers for failing to separate supporters.
The fatal accident was unrelated to the violent scenes nearby, where local youths threw bottles at Northern Ireland fans in bars and restaurants in the Place Massena area.
“It was with great sadness that we awoke this morning to news of the passing of fellow Northern Ireland fan Darren Rodgers”, read a club statement.
The spokesman said the accident happened at around 2am on Monday, in the aftermath of the game.
“For Michael, for his coaching staff, for all the people who’ve paid good money to come out here, we let them down and we’ll put it right on Thursday”, he insisted.
In a tribute on their Facebook page a spokesperson has written: “A man who on and off the pitch would have done anything for you, always great craic and giving his all every game”.
“Was such a down-to-earth guy and would never walk pass without a chat”.
Posting on his Facebook page, one friend said: “Just heard bad news. Rest easy wee man”.
Northern Ireland, by contrast, were a shadow of the side that qualified unexpectedly as winners of their group.
It followed tributes from Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill and a number of other players on Monday.
You think things are bad then learn one of your own loses his life last night.
“We would like to pass on our most honest condolences to his family and friends at this tragic time”.
Ulster Unionist North Antrim MLA Robin Swann said that his “thoughts and prayers were with Darren’s family at this hard time”.
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With the substitution and a change in formation, the game did tilt in Northern Ireland’s favour but it wasn’t enough as they started the tournament with a loss.
