Bolton Wanderers | Club Statement

Stadium black and white

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.

Iain will be remembered at Wanderers’ FA Cup third-round replay at home to Luton Town on Tuesday night.

Saturday’s League One fixture against Cheltenham Town – which will be re-arranged in due course – was called off shortly after 4pm in agreement with referee Sunny Singh Gill and both teams around half an hour after the players were taken off the pitch when the incident first occurred.

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.

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