Bolton fan dies after suffering cardiac arrest during match against Cheltenham

Bolton have confirmed the death of a supporter who suffered a medical emergency during Saturday’s abandoned League One contest (Richard Sellers/PA)

The Bolton supporter who suffered a suspected cardiac arrest in Saturday’s abandoned League One clash with Cheltenham has died, the Lancashire club have announced.

Referee Sunny Singh Gill took the players off the field just after 3.30pm as medical staff went to help the supporter, and the match was officially abandoned 30 minutes later.

Bolton have now revealed that 71-year-old Iain Purslow, a lifelong Wanderers fan, was treated at the stadium before he was taken to a hospital where he died.

A statement posted to the club’s official website 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.

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“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.

Players were removed from the pitch after the match was abandoned (Richard Sellers/PA)

“The thoughts