Blackpool boss praises togetherness of Bloomfield Road faithful at time of tragedy
A Blackpool fan died after a medical emergency at Bloomfield Road during Saturday’s game against Peterborough United.
Ian Evatt has praised the way the Blackpool family have come together in the last few days following the death of one of their own.
Supporter Graham Sharman passed away at the weekend after suffering a medical emergency at Bloomfield Road during the Seasiders’ 3-1 victory over Peterborough United.
Fellow fans have rallied since to pay tribute, with a moment of remembrance taking place outside the Stan Mortensen statue on Tuesday night.
Evatt, alongside several figures from the club, was among those in attendance.
“Nobody should come to a football match and lose their life,” the Blackpool boss said.
“It’s incredibly sad. The service yesterday was incredibly emotional. It’s strange how after tragedy and circumstances like Saturday, you see the best of football.
“Yesterday, in all of the emotion, we saw what football does, it brings people together. It’s a community, and we’re part of that.
“I love this football club, and I know how together it is in circumstances like that. It’s extremely sad, and I pass on my condolences to the family. We’re here for them as part of that Tangerine family.
“It’s emotional for me personally because I am a fan of this club. It means a whole lot to me and my family. My grandad, who I lost during Covid times, was a big part of my football journey, and he loved coming here to see me play - he was buried in one of my Blackpool shirts.”
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