TWO drivers who allegedly hit and killed a Rangers fan in Turkey have been arrested, with one currently held in connection with his death.
Christopher Potter, from Glasgow, tragically lost his life after being struck by two cars while crossing a busy road in Istanbul on Wednesday night.
Christopher Potter died in Turkey after being hit by a car[/caption]
Christopher’s friends and family set up a GoFundMe to support his family[/caption]
He was among the many Light Blues fans who had travelled to watch the team’s Europa League Round of 16 clash with Fenerbahçe, which ended in a 3-1 victory for the Gers.
The beloved husband and father, understood to be in his 40s, sadly succumbed to his injuries following the incident.
It’s been reported that Mr Potter was first struck by a car while using a pedestrian crossing and was then run over by another vehicle.
According to local reports, Mr Potter had been crossing the road at a set of traffic lights after withdrawing cash from an ATM.
Ekol TV stated that the incident occurred at around 4:30 am local time, near the traffic lights in front of the Naval Museum in Beşiktaş.
Reports suggest he was on his way back to his hotel after leaving an entertainment venue.
Witnesses claim that Christopher was initially hit by one vehicle and subsequently run over by another while the traffic light was red for pedestrians.
Last night, Turkish media reported that a man had been detained in connection with his death.
A second man was also reportedly arrested but later released on bail.
The current status of the prosecution case remains unclear.
Rangers FC expressed their devastation following the tragic news, offering their condolences to Christopher’s family.
Scores of tributes were been paid to the lifelong Rangers supporter, who was described as “one of life’s good guys”.
Players from both team wore black armbands as a mark of respect for the fallen supporter.
Pals set up a fundraiser to support his wife and children after his death, as well as going towards funeral costs and arrange for his body to be repatriated.
The gofundme page has already raised over £130,300 as fellow fans and supporters groups coming together to show their support.
Among those contributing were notable figures from the football world.
Tributes left in Istanbul for tragic Rangers fan killed[/caption]
Rangers heroes donated to the crowdfunder to support Mr Potter’s family[/caption]
We told how former Scotland star Robert Snodgrass donated £1,000 to the tragic fan’s family after his death.
Former Scotland star Robert Snodgrass donated £1,000 to the fundraiser, while Rangers captain James Tavernier and goalkeeper Jack Butland each gave £500.
Harry Souttar, brother of Rangers player John Souttar, donated £250, as did Scottish comedian and Rangers fan Gary Faulds.
Former Scotland star James McArthur also contributed £500.
One of the largest donations came from millionaire businessman and Gers fan Andy Smillie, who generously gave £10,000 to support Christopher’s family.
Rangers FC told of their devastation at the news of Christopher’s death.
A club spokesperson said: “We are devastated to have learned of the passing of one of our supporters in a road traffic accident overnight in Istanbul.
“The immediate thoughts of everyone at the club are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“We are remaining in constant contact with both the Turkish and British authorities over this tragic incident.”
Europa League rivals Fenerbahçe also paid tribute, stating: “We extend our deepest condolences to Rangers FC and the entire Rangers community.
“We are deeply saddened to receive the heartbreaking news that a Rangers FC supporter, who traveled to Istanbul to support his team in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 against our club Fenerbahce, has tragically lost his life in a traffic accident.
“Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to his family, Rangers FC, and their community.”
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office added: “We are aware of the death of a British man in Turkey and are in touch with the local authorities.”
The fundraiser to support Christopher’s family can be found here.
