Charlton pay special tribute to supporter Norman Barker who sadly died in hospital after a medical emergency at the Portsmouth game.
The much-loved fan, known as “Headphones Norm”, attended home and away games for over 40 years and was named the club’s Supporter of the Year earlier in 2025.
Charlton will honour Norman’s life ahead of Tuesday night’s match against Middlesbrough, with fans already sharing a number of heartfelt videos showing why he was much loved by everyone.
Charlton Athletic are devastated by the loss of one of our most loyal and recognisable faces, Norman Barker.
A true beacon of the Addicks faithful, home and away, ‘Headphones Norm’ will be dearly missed by all.#cafc
— Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) December 8, 2025
A GoFundMe for Norm ❤️💙#Pompey https://t.co/4b2im6a4eY
— Jack Hancock (@HancockAnalysis) December 7, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
Charlton Athletic are devastated by the loss of one of its most loyal and recognisable faces, Norman Barker.
Saturday’s fixture against Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after Norman fell ill in his seat in the Covered End Lower. His fellow supporters came to his aid, while staff and first responders did everything they could, but he sadly passed away in hospital.
A true beacon of the Addicks faithful, home and away, Norman was affectionately known by fans as ‘Headphones Norm’ due to his distinctive look, which included a set of headphones either around his neck or in position listening to the latest results coming in, a vest with numerous Charlton and other football-related badges and patches on display and brilliant headwear such as his favourite ‘Davy Crockett’ hat, proudly emblazoned, of course, with his beloved club’s logo.
Norman was a constant at every game up and down the country for 40 years, always supporting the Addicks through good times and bad with a smile on his face. His dedication to the club was recognised earlier this year as he was presented with the Colin Cameron Supporter of the Year award, receiving his accolade from Men’s First-Team Manager Nathan Jones as part of the 2025 Hall of Fame event at the Charlton Athletic Museum in July.
He was also chosen by the club to feature in a season ticket campaign ahead of the 2020/21 season in which he discussed his story of becoming an Addick and his love of following the club.
Norman will be truly missed by all at Charlton Athletic and everyone at the club sends their heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
Charlton Athletic will honour Norman’s life when the club host Middlesbrough at The Valley on Tuesday evening. Further details on the tribute and how supporters can honour and celebrate Norman’s life will be shared in the next 24 hours.
Please share @CAFCofficial fans… in fact, all football fans, please please share. This is Norm… 😭😭😭 #CAFC 🔴⚪️🎧 Many Miles have we travelled 💙 pic.twitter.com/VuUlAzqHzY
— Damian James Walters (@DamianJWalters) December 6, 2025
Charlton pay a special tribute to supporter Norman Barker who died after a medical emergency at the Portsmouth game…
@THEMIND1972: I saw the event unfold like a lot of us did, and the man who was distressed by his side. I hope I word this right, but as Norm was raised high above the fans being taken from the stands , I hope he heard the clapping and felt the love and prayers of all there.
@soberich:RIEP Norm 🙏🙏You’ve earnt your wings.Passing onto the next phase doing the thing you loved with the family you loved.You didn’t go being alone 💕💕💕Love & peace to your family & friends ❤️💙
@forestmad80: Much love to everyone connected with the club, what a guy and what a legacy to leave behind when you’re that loved. Hopefully that will bring solace to the family.
@GibMonkeyPompey: Condolences… I think everything he says here is what brings most football fans to their club. Respect. 🫡
@Swamps81: Speaking with my dad earlier today, turns out that he saw Norm every Thursday at the Valley for a catch up and all things Charlton. Norm sat with my pops on Thursday….. life literally can change on a flip of a coin #cafc @CAFCofficial 😢
@BlueBrazil1975: RIP – if there is any consolation to this tragedy it is that Norman died doing something he loved.
@MeganKatieLyall: Watching this video perfectly epitomises how loved and legendary Norm was at Charlton Athletic. His incredible legacy will now live on forever. Sending lots of love, strength and the kindest energy to his family, friends & the #CAFC community. Rest In Peace, Norm! 🕊️✨ x
@chimer1898: Sincere condolences to all his family and friends. No one should go to a football match and not come home. I’m sorry some of our travelling fans were so disrespectful. Even worse because we’ve been through it too. RIP Norm #CAFC #Pompey
@Theknibbler: The thing ive learnt as i get older is the football becomes more secondary to the time spent with mates during the game and the results become forgotten quickly.
@PFCOllie_: RIP Norman Barker. Would only be right if there was a minute silence at the reverse fixture at Fratton.
@JustinDB1974: Really sad news, I didn’t know Norm personally but he always came in the Posh club shop for a mooch when we played Charlton. Every team has characters like Norm, who live for their club, a small comfort that he died at the place he loved with his second family #RIPNorm.
@MAJACO96: Genuinely got shocked when I saw who it was, didn’t know Norm personally but like everyone saw him at EVERY away game! Hope he gets the tribute he deserves🔴⚪️ RIP Norm🙏🏻
@LukeEllisPUP: I hope we do a minutes silence or applause when we play #cafc on the 29th Dec. RIP Norman
@MarcBhafc: RIP Norm. Proper supporter, rare to see nowadays. Passed in the place he loves the most, which couldn’t be more fitting. Cracking club Charlton, thoughts with all those affected today. ❤️
Took this photo of Norman before the play-off final this year, he was the definition of proper Charlton, he’ll be deeply missed at the Valley and at away games, my thoughts are with his family and friends.
RIP to a Charlton legend🕊️❤️#cafc pic.twitter.com/jZgeZ22MA6
— rheaphotographs 📸 (@rheaphotographs) December 6, 2025
