Bolton Wanderers have confirmed that the supporter who was taken ill during Saturday’s home match against Cheltenham Town has sadly passed away.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The two League One sides faced up at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Saturday. During the first half of that matchup, 71-year-old Iain Purslow suffered a suspected cardiac arrest. Purslow received CPR on site before being taken to hospital, with the match abandoned after 4pm (GMT) following the agreement of both teams and match officials. Purslow, described by Bolton as being a “lifelong fan”, tragically died in hospital.
WHAT BOLTON SAID
The League One club said in an official statement: “Bolton Wanderers are deeply saddened to confirm that the supporter taken ill at yesterday afternoon’s home fixture against Cheltenham Town has passed away. Lifelong fan Iain Purslow suffered a suspected cardiac arrest during the first half of the game. The 71-year-old was given sustained CPR treatment by medical staff and paramedics at the stadium before being taken to hospital where he tragically died.
“Iain, who lives in Oldham, was at the game supporting the Whites with his son Stuart. 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.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Bolton also wrote that Purslow will be honoured during their FA Cup third-round replay at home to Luton on Tuesday, a side who recently went through their own trauma in a similar incident. Hatters captain Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest during their clash at home to Bournemouth but fortunately survived, although his playing career now looks in doubt.
WHAT NEXT?
Bolton also wanted to send a message of thanks to everyone’s support on the day, adding: “Wanderers would also like to thank all those supporters and medical staff who provided assistance, and for the cooperation and understanding of everyone inside the stadium – including our visitors from Cheltenham – on Saturday”.
They confirmed that the match against Cheltenham will be rearranged “in due course”.