A Championship fixture between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth was abandoned due to a 'medical emergency' at The Valley. The contest was halted in the 12th minute while staff dealt with the incident in the lower tier of the Covered End on Saturday afternoon. After a delay, referee Matthew Donohue told the players to return to the dressing rooms, and the match was later called off.The contest was put on hold early in the game when the medical emergency took place, reports BBC Sport. The players initially waited on the pitch while emergency staff tended to the situation before they went back to their respective team dressing rooms. The goalless game was eventually called off nearly an hour after the initial events unfolded. This fixture will now take place at a later date.Charlton, who sit 17th in the Championship, thanked fans for their support and understanding.A post on the club's website reads: "Due to a medical emergency in the crowd, today’s fixture against Portsmouth has been abandoned. Everyone at the club sends their best wishes to the supporter affected and thank our medical team and first responders. We thank supporters for your patience and understanding. Information on when the match will be rescheduled will be announced in due course."In a statement of their own, Portsmouth, who are 22nd in the table, wrote: "Pompey's Championship match against Charlton at The Valley has been abandoned following a medical incident in the home section of the crowd. Our thoughts and best wishes are with the individual involved and their family. The club will provide information on a new date for the fixture and ticketing arrangements in due course."Following this game's cancellation, Charlton will have to wait until Tuesday for their next Championship game, with Nathan Jones' side hosting high-flying Middlesbrough. Portsmouth, on the other hand, are away at fellow strugglers Swansea City on the same night.