A supporter of Rangers has tragically died in a road accident in Istanbul before the team’s Europa League match against Fenerbahce. The club expressed its profound sorrow over the news, which emerged just prior to their last-16 first-leg game with the Turkish team. An official statement from Rangers FC noted: ‘We are heartbroken to hear about the death of one of our supporters in a traffic accident overnight in Istanbul. Our thoughts are with their family and friends during this very challenging time.’ “We are maintaining ongoing communication with the authorities in Turkey and the UK regarding this unfortunate event.” The individual connected to the incident has been identified locally as Christopher Potter, believed to be in his forties. Local news sources indicate that Potter was first struck by one vehicle and then run over by another while crossing a road at a pedestrian red signal. Two drivers have been arrested in relation to the event. Reports indicate that he had recently taken cash from an ATM and was heading back to his hotel. Ekol TV reporter Çağdaş Evren Şenlik reported that the incident took place around 4:30 AM local time, according to the Daily Record. Fenerbahçe also expressed their sympathies to the Scottish club following the tragic news in their own statement. They said: ‘It is with deep sorrow that we have learned about the death of a Rangers FC fan who came to Istanbul to support his team in the first match of the UEFA Europa League round of 16, where Fenerbahçe will host the Scottish team Rangers FC. We would like to extend our condolences to the family of the deceased fan, the Rangers club, and the community.’
