Bolton Wanderers honored a lifelong supporter who passed away following a collapse during yesterday’s game. Oldham native Iain Purslow, 71, became ill during Saturday’s League 1 match at Toughsheet Community Stadium against Cheltenham Town (January 13).
Mr. Purslow, who was watching the Whites with his son Stuart, appeared to be having a suspected cardiac arrest in the stands, causing the game to be stopped and then abandoned.
Although the club broke the tragic news of his death today, he was admitted to the hospital. “Bolton Wanderers is deeply saddened to confirm that the supporter taken ill at yesterday afternoon’s home fixture against Cheltenham Town has passed away,” the team said in a statement released this afternoon (Sunday).
Iain Purslow, a lifelong fan, is thought to have had a cardiac arrest in the first half of the match. Before being transported to a hospital, where he sadly passed away, medical personnel and paramedics at the stadium provided the 71-year-old with continuous CPR treatment.
“Iain, who is from Oldham, came to the game with his son Stuart to cheer on the Whites.
“Club Chaplain Phil Mason remained with family members later in the day and the Club will continue to offer the family all the support and care they can – as well as looking to offer support to anyone else impacted by this distressing incident.
“The thoughts of everyone connected to Bolton Wanderers are with Iain’s family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time. Iain will be remembered at Wanderers’ FA Cup third-round replay at home to Luton Town on Tuesday night.”
The players were taken off the field after Mr Purslow fell ill around half an hour into the game which kicked off at 3pm. The match was then called off at around 4pm with the agreement of the referee Sunny Singh Gill and both teams.
