Bolton Football Club have confirmed the death of a fan who reportedly fell ill during a live match leading to a medical emergency on the stands.
It was a difficult moment for fans at the ToughSheet Community Stadium. Bolton were taking on Cheltenham in a six-pointer League One clash before the sad incident.
As per reports, the fan, who was later identified as Iain Purslow, suddenly fell ill while the match was on. Losing his balance on the stands, Purslow is said to have suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed. Medial officials from both teams immediately wade into action, helping ailing Purslow off the stands for immediate medical assistance.
He was given first-aid treatment before being rushed to the hospital. After negotiations with both teams, the match officials called off the game due to the incident.
Bolton confirm Iain Purslow's death
Following the medical emergency, Bolton have issued a club statement confirming Iain Purslow is dead hours after being hospitalized.
The club expressed deep sorrow on the passing of Iain Purslow while extending their condolences to the family of the deceased.
Bolton's club statement also confirmed the club's chaplain, identified as Phil Mason, is with Purslow's family with the club offering to support the family through the moment of grief, including those affected by the demise.
The statement reads;
"Bolton Wanderers are deeply saddened to confirm that the supporter taken ill at yesterday afternoon’s home fixture against Cheltenham Town has passed away.
"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 club also added that a short memorial will be organized for Purslow during the club's next match. Bolton will play Luton in an FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
Who is Iain Purslow?
Iain Purslow is said to be a lifelong fan of Bolton. Details of his personal life is still sketchy but reports have it that the late Bolton fan is 71 years old. He reportedly attended the Cheltenham League One match with his son, identified as Stuart. Purslow suffered a cardiac arrest on the stands and was attended to by medics before he passed on after being hospitalized.
Bolton Football Club
Bolton Football Club is a professional Football Club currently playing in League One - the third tier of the English Football System. The club is based in Horwich, Greater Manchester with their home ground at ToughSheet Community Stadium.
Founded in 1874, Bolton have won the FA Cup four times and finished as runners-up in the EFL Cup two times. They have won the Championship two times in 1995 and 2001, gaining promotion to the Premier League.
Bolton last played in the Premier League in 2012. They suffered relegation to the second division on the last day of the season. The Trotters needed a win against Stoke City to stay aloof but settled for a 2-2 draw. They narrowly miss out of the top flight with just a point.
It was a difficult moment for fans at the ToughSheet Community Stadium. Bolton were taking on Cheltenham in a six-pointer League One clash before the sad incident.
As per reports, the fan, who was later identified as Iain Purslow, suddenly fell ill while the match was on. Losing his balance on the stands, Purslow is said to have suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed. Medial officials from both teams immediately wade into action, helping ailing Purslow off the stands for immediate medical assistance.
He was given first-aid treatment before being rushed to the hospital. After negotiations with both teams, the match officials called off the game due to the incident.
Bolton confirm Iain Purslow's death
Following the medical emergency, Bolton have issued a club statement confirming Iain Purslow is dead hours after being hospitalized.
The club expressed deep sorrow on the passing of Iain Purslow while extending their condolences to the family of the deceased.
Bolton's club statement also confirmed the club's chaplain, identified as Phil Mason, is with Purslow's family with the club offering to support the family through the moment of grief, including those affected by the demise.
The statement reads;
"Bolton Wanderers are deeply saddened to confirm that the supporter taken ill at yesterday afternoon’s home fixture against Cheltenham Town has passed away.
"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 club also added that a short memorial will be organized for Purslow during the club's next match. Bolton will play Luton in an FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
Who is Iain Purslow?
Iain Purslow is said to be a lifelong fan of Bolton. Details of his personal life is still sketchy but reports have it that the late Bolton fan is 71 years old. He reportedly attended the Cheltenham League One match with his son, identified as Stuart. Purslow suffered a cardiac arrest on the stands and was attended to by medics before he passed on after being hospitalized.
Bolton Football Club
Bolton Football Club is a professional Football Club currently playing in League One - the third tier of the English Football System. The club is based in Horwich, Greater Manchester with their home ground at ToughSheet Community Stadium.
Founded in 1874, Bolton have won the FA Cup four times and finished as runners-up in the EFL Cup two times. They have won the Championship two times in 1995 and 2001, gaining promotion to the Premier League.
Bolton last played in the Premier League in 2012. They suffered relegation to the second division on the last day of the season. The Trotters needed a win against Stoke City to stay aloof but settled for a 2-2 draw. They narrowly miss out of the top flight with just a point.