Bolton announce supporter has died after suffering cardiac arrest during match

Bolton Wanderers have sadly announced that a supporter tragically passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest in their League One clash against Cheltenham Town

Fasika Zelealem Senior Sports Reporter

14:27, 14 Jan 2024Updated 18:43, 19 Jan 2024

Bolton Wanderers' game against Cheltenham Town has been abandoned(Image: @CTFCofficial)

Bolton Wanderers have announced that a fan has died after suffering a cardiac arrest in their clash against Cheltenham Town.

The League One club had their game abandoned on Saturday (January 13) after Iain Purslow, 71, was taken ill at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

In devastating circumstances, Bolton announced on Sunday (January 14) that the lifelong Bolton supporter had sadly passed away. Their statement read: "Bolton Wanderers are deeply saddened to confirm that the supporter taken ill at yesterday afternoons 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.

[Bolton fans]

Fans left the ground after the game was abandoned(Image: Steve Flynn/News Images)

"The thoughts of everyone connected to Bolton Wanderers are with Iains family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time." The club - who sit third in League One - added that the 71-year-old will be remembered during their third-round FA Cup replay against Premier League outfit Luton Town on Tuesday (January 16).

Article continues below

Their game against Cheltenham was initially called off in the 29th minute with the score-line still at 0-0 as medics carrying a defibrillator rushed to help Mr Purslow, while stewards ushered home fans away. The club also announced the fixture will be re-arranged soon but didn't give a specific date.

[Bolton players]

The players left the pitch after a lengthy stoppage(Image: Paul Currie/REX/Shutterstock)

Bolton are just two points off leaders Portsmouth but have three games in hand as they hope to end their three-year stay in England's third division with promotion to the Championship. Ian Evatt's side have conceded a joint-lowest 24 goals this season with Dion Charles leading the club in goals with 13 in the league.

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.

[Google Preferred Source Badge]

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.