Bolton have confirmed that Iain Purslow, the fan who suffered a suspected cardiac arrest during the first half of Saturday’s game against Cheltenham, has sadly passed away.
Purslow, 71, received CPR treatment from medical staff and paramedics at the Toughsheet Community Stadium after the match was halted by referee Sunny Gill in the 29th minute.
As a result of the medical emergency, the game was abandoned as Purslow was taken to hospital for further treatment. However, Bolton have confirmed on Sunday afternoon that Purslow has died.
A club statement read: “Bolton Wanderers are deeply saddened to confirm that the supporter taken ill at yesterday afternoon’s home fixture against Cheltenham Town has passed away.
“Iain Purslow, a lifelong fan, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest during the first half of the game.”
“The 71-year-old was given continuous CPR by medical workers and paramedics at the stadium before being transported to the hospital, where he tragically died.
“Iain, who lives in Oldham, attended the game to support the Whites with his son Stuart.
“Club Chaplain Phil Mason remained with family members later in the day, and the Club will continue to provide all possible support and care to the family, as well as to anybody else affected by this terrible occurrence.
“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 against Luton Town on Tuesday.”
“Saturday’s League One match against Cheltenham Town, which will be rescheduled in due course, was called off shortly after 4pm in agreement with referee Sunny Singh Gill and both sides, around half an hour after the players were removed from the pitch when the incident happened.
“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.”
Cheltenham, meantime, released a statement, which read: “Cheltenham Town Football Club is profoundly grieved to learn of the demise of the supporter who was taken ill at yesterday’s away fixture against Bolton Wanderers.
“Iain Purslow, 71, was a lifelong Whites fan and was at the game with his son Stuart, when he suffered a suspected cardiac arrest during the first half.
“Iain was given CPR treatment by medical staff and paramedics before being taken to hospital where he sadly lost his life.
“The thoughts of everyone at Cheltenham Town are with Iain’s family, loved ones and the Bolton Wanderers community at this deeply sad time.
“The club would also like to thank the travelling supporters at the game for their cooperation and understanding in the aftermath of the terrible incident.
“If you were in attendance at the Toughsheet Community Stadium and were affected by the tragic events, you can contact MIND for support on 0300 123 3393.”
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