Son of Rangers fan Christopher Potter killed in Istanbul leads team out with hero Jack Butland
Rangers stopper Jack Butland was joined by the young son of Rangers fan Christopher Potter who was killed in Istanbul as the teams walked out today.
The young son of Rangers fan Christopher Potter who was killed in Istanbul as he followed his beloved Light Blues in Europe led the team out this afternoon with his Gers hero Jack Butland.
Christopher Potter died after he was hit by two cars in Besiktas on Thursday, March 6 prior to the Ibrox side’s 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce.
The 40-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind his young children Jak, 20, Millie, 13, and Teddy, 6, and wife Holly.
The Rangers goalkeeper was previously pictured supporting the youngster after he reached out to the family to meet up with him and his mother at Ibrox for the home-leg against Fenerbahce.
During the fixture, thousands of Rangers supporters paid tribute with a roaring applause during the 40th minute of the game and banners were held up in his memory reading: “With the angels you’ll be singing, our very special friend. Christopher Potter 1984-2025.”
At the time, Christopher’s devastated wife Holly spoke about how her family were overwhelmed. She said: “I was totally overwhelmed at the outpouring of emotion.
“The Rangers family really came together. I know Christopher would have been chuffed to bits to see how they paid their respects and credit to the Fenerbahce fans for joining in too.
“I have to thank all the players from the bottom of my heart.
“After the game Teddy got to go down pitchside, and he got to meet his Rangers hero Jack Butland and get a photo.
“Jack also gave him his top from last night, and all the players signed it.
“The message on it said: ‘That was for you Teddy’.
“Allan McGregor also gave Teddy a pair of signed goalie gloves.
Holly added: “Christopher would have been so proud of Teddy, and Jak and Millie, last night.
“A huge thank you to everyone at Rangers, all the staff who were so kind and respectful.
“The pain we are all feeling at the moment is indescribable, but there is some comfort knowing how well loved and well-thought of Christopher was.”
Christopher, a roofer with SLK Roofing, was hit by a vehicle while crossing a road and was then struck by another car. He was returning to his hotel by taxi after leaving an entertainment venue when he stopped the taxi to withdraw money.
According to local reports, one of the motorists was jailed for “murder by negligence” while the other was released on probation.
Mourners lined the streets of Glasgow to pay their final respects to Christopher last Saturday and thousands of pounds were raised in his memory in an online crowdfunder. A flute band led a cortege through the east end of the city on Saturday as crowds lined the streets to bid their final farewells to the late father-of-three, also known as ‘Mr Duke Street’.
Melody was played by Dennistoun Rangers Flute band as the procession made its way through Belgrave Street and Duke Street before arriving at Daldowie Crematorium.
As it passed the Bristol Bar, fans stood on the roof of the premises with flags and flares as banners reading “let me tell you that I love you all the time”, “simply the best” and “Potter forever” draped from the roof.
During the funeral, Christopher was remembered as a “much loved and much respected” son, a doting father and uncle who was “exceptionally hard working” by his loved ones.
Being a huge Rangers fan, it was also said that he never once missed a game as he travelled far and wide to watch the club play across the globe.
A fundraiser set up to support his family raised over £180,000. Rangers captain James Tavernier, interim manager Barry Ferguson and goalie Jack Butland were amongst those who donated to the appeal. Charity boss Andy Smilie also donated £10,000 to the family.
Holly added: “I have been totally overwhelmed by the support I have received from everyone.
“Of course, no amount of money will bring Christopher back but it will be shared among his children.
“Fly high Christopher, we loved you so much.”
A Rangers spokesperson said: “Christopher will be missed by everyone who knew him and the thoughts of everyone at Rangers are with his family and friends at this time.”
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office previously told the Record: “We are aware of the death of a British man in Turkey and are in touch with the local authorities.”
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