Children of Rangers fan killed in Turkey release Father’s Day balloons at Ibrox
Christopher Potter passed on a European away trip before Rangers defeated 3-1 in their Europa League round-of-16 first leg.
Christopher Potter and Teddy at Ibrox
Christopher Potter and Teddy at Ibrox(Image: Supplied)
The children of a Rangers fan who was killed in Istanbul have celebrated their first Father’s Day without their dad by releasing balloons inside Ibrox which magically flew to his season ticket seat.
Christopher Potter tragically died after he was struck by two cars in Besiktas on Thursday, March 6 prior to the Gers’ 3-1 first-leg victory over Fenerbahce in the Europa League round-of-16.
The 40-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind children Jak, 20, Millie, 13, and Teddy, 6, and wife Holly.
For the family, Sunday marked the first Father’s Day without Christopher. To mark the occasion, Teddy and Millie released blue and white balloons inside Ibrox to honour their late dad.
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Upon their release, one of their balloons made its way to Christopher’s season ticket seat in section GE2. As the balloons flew across towards the section, his late-wife Holly could be heard saying: “That’s where your dad sits.”
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Holly told the Record: “The first Father’s Day without Christopher was obviously really hard for us all.
“But though he’s no longer here with us, his love still echoes in our hearts every single day.
“We celebrated him on Father’s Day at his favourite place, Ibrox, not with gifts or cards but with memories, tears and gratitude.
“He might be out of sight, but he’s never out of mind. We miss him more than words can say.
“It was a sign, I think, that one of the balloons flew straight up to the sky and the other went over to the area where his seat was.
“It shows that he is always looking over us.”
The balloons flew straight to where Christopher’s season ticket seat was
The balloons flew straight to where Christopher’s season ticket seat was (Image: Supplied)
Since Christopher’s untimely passing, Rangers have rallied around the family. His youngest son Teddy was welcomed to Ibrox for the 4-0 victory over Aberdeen on May 11 and met Rangers’ Players’ Player of the Year Nicolas Raskin – who described the encounter with the youngster as “what football’s all about” in his Instagram story.
Christopher’s wife Holly previously told the Record about how supportive Rangers and its supporters have been throughout the horrific ordeal.
Young Teddy with Raskin
Young Teddy with Raskin(Image: Holly Potter)
She said: “Since his dad passed, Teddy has really embraced football and Rangers have become a huge passion of his. I know how much that would have meant to Christopher and I like to think that he is looking down with a smile on his face, proud that Teddy is following in his footsteps.
“I have to say a huge thank you to the fans and the Rangers family. They really went above and beyond for him and it meant so much.
“I also have to thank Nico Raskin for taking the time to come over and pose for a pic with Teddy and also posting it on his own social media. Again, the fans were responsible for arranging that and it was just the perfect ending to a perfect day for Teddy.”
Jack Butland and young Teddy
Jack Butland and young Teddy(Image: Holly Potter)
The youngster led the team out with Rangers stopper Jack Butland during their 2-0 defeat to Hibernian at Ibrox on April 5. Butland previously reached out to the family to meet up with him and his mother at Ibrox for the home-leg against Fenerbahce.
At the 40th minute of the game, thousands of Rangers supporters paid tribute to Christopher with a roaring applause. Banners were held up in his memory reading: “With the angels you’ll be singing, our very special friend. Christopher Potter 1984-2025.”
A tribute to Christopher Potter
A tribute to Christopher Potter(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire. )
Christopher’s devastated wife Holly spoke about how her family were overwhelmed. She said at the time: “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. 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.
On March 29, mourners lined the streets of Glasgow to pay their final respects to to the late father-of-three, also known as ‘Mr Duke Street’, as the Dennistoun Rangers Flute band played Melody as the procession made its way to Daldowie Crematorium.
Christopher with his wife Holly and son Teddy
Christopher with his wife Holly and son Teddy(Image: Supplied)
Fans stood on the roof of the Bristol Bar 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.
Following his death, a fundraiser for 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 previously said: “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.”
Fans gathered outside the Louden Tavern
Fans gathered outside the Bristol Bar(Image: Daily Record)
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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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