Bolton Wanderers fan Iain Purslow dies after suspected cardiac arrest at Cheltenham Town game

Referee Sunny Singh Gill and both teams agreed to call the game off

Bolton Wanderers supporter Iain Purslow has died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest during their home game against Cheltenham Town on Saturday.

The 71-year-old was given CPR by medical staff and paramedics at the ground before passing away in hospital.

Bolton described him as a “lifelong fan”, who had been watching the match alongside his son Stuart.

The League One game was halted on 29 minutes because of the emergency and abandoned shortly after 16:00 GMT.

“The thoughts of everyone connected to Bolton Wanderers are with Iain’s family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time,” the club said.external-link

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

Wanderers thanked supporters and medical staff for providing assistance and the “co-operation and understanding” of both sets of fans, while the club said they will offer support to anyone impacted by the incident.

Cheltenham, meanwhile, said:external-link “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Iain’s family, loved ones and the Bolton Wanderers community at this deeply sad time.”

The game, which was goalless at the time, will be rearranged for a later date.