THE Sun newspaper has issued a further apology to the family of Wanderers fan Iain Purslow over their “insensitive” coverage around the football game in which he lost his life.
The publication printed a statement in their January 21 print edition which acknowledged their mistake after a headline that was widely condemned in Bolton, and around the footballing world.
Mr Purslow passed away after collapsing during the first half of a League One game against Cheltenham Town. He has been accompanied to the match by his son.
Several people fought to save his life in the East Stand, including photographer and retired paramedic, Lee Parker, and firefighter James Bracegirdle, alongside stadium staff and emergency service responders.
Mr Purslow’s death was only confirmed the following day – but an article carried by that morning’s print edition of The Sun sparked an outrage, as it appeared under the headline: “Footie Binned… Over ill fan.”
The widespread public condemnation of the story prompted a swift and brief apology by the tabloid, which admitted to using an insensitive headline. But it failed to satisfy many Bolton Wanderers supporters, and the matter was even discussed by the town council, who have pledged to write to IPSO (The Independent Press Standards Organisation).
Several supporters are also understood to have made official complaints about the coverage.
Wanderers withdrew the newspaper’s access to last Tuesday night’s FA Cup replay against Luton Town and requested that a full apology be made to the family before considering their view on future accreditation.
In Sunday’s print edition of The Sun, under the headline: “Iain Purslow: An Apology” the story read: “Last Sunday we reported on the game between Bolton Wanderers and Cheltenham Town, which was abandoned when lifelong Wanderers fan Iain Purslow had a medical emergency.
“Tragically, Iain, a proud family fan and retired policeman, passed away.
“The article was insensitive, and The Sun wishes to apologise unreservedly for the upset caused to Iain’s family, his many friends, and the staff and fans of Bolton Wanderers.
“It was a mistake and it should not have been published.”
Wanderers held a minute’s silence before the Luton game as a tribute to Mr Purslow with fans also organising an unofficial minute’s applause in the second half.
Floral tributes were supplied by Wanderers, Cheltenham Town and Luton Town, with Saturday’s opponents Leyton Orient also laying a wreath at the front of the away stand before their game.
The original game was abandoned after 29 minutes and rescheduled for Tuesday night (January 23).
READ MORE: Bolton Council condemn The Sun coverage.
READ MORE: Bolton Wanderers fans react to The Sun headline.
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