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Wife pays tribute to Rangers fan killed in Istanbul

Holly Potter Holly Potter kissing Christopher Potter on the cheek. Holly is on the left of the picture. She has black hair and is wearing a white dress. She is holding a glass of prosecco in her right hand. Her lips are almost touching Christopher's cheek. Christopher. on the right of the picture, is looking right at the camera. He is smiling. He is wearing all black with a white tie.Holly Potter
Christopher Potter was described as the "life and soul of the party" by wife Holly

The wife of a Rangers fan killed while following his team in Turkey said he was a "hard-working, devoted, family man".

Christopher Potter, 40, died in the Besiktas area last Thursday after being struck by two cars as he crossed the road.

Holly Potter said the father-of-three was the "life and soul of the party" and would "forever be in their hearts".

The incident happened hours before the Ibrox side's Europa League last 16 match against Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce.

Rangers players wore black armbands in tribute to Mr Potter during the 3-1 win at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.

Club captain James Tavernier and interim manager Barry Ferguson also donated to a fundraiser for his family, which has since raised about £170,000.

Rangers have urged supporters to take part in a minutes' applause during the 40th minute of the return leg against the Turkish side in Glasgow on Thursday.

Holly Potter A man holding his son, photographed from behind, looking at the pitch at Ibrox stadium in Glasgow. The man has a shaved head and is wearing a white t-shirt, The boy is wearing a blue Rangers home top with "Teddy 3" on the back of it.Holly Potter
Mr Potter and his son Teddy pictured ahead of a Rangers match at Ibrox

Ms Potter, 38, said the family took comfort in the fact her husband died while following his beloved team in Europe.

But she said his death had been "unbearable" for their six-year-old son Teddy and Mr Potter's two elder children Jak, 20, and Millie, 13.

She said the roofer, who lived in Gartcosh, North Lanarkshire, was a hugely popular figure.

Ms Potter added: "Christopher was a hard-working, devoted family man who always had time for those close to him.

"He touched the lives of everyone he met, lived his life to the full and was the life and soul of every party."

Mr Potter grew up in Dennistoun, in the east end of Glasgow and was affectionately known as Mr Duke Street.

His wife said: "I always used to joke how annoying it was walking along Duke Street with him because he stopped to talk to so many people – he was so well known and loved."

Rangers scarves, shirts and flags attached to a fence in tribute to Mr Potter. There are also several bunches of flowers and red and blue balloons.
Dozens of tributes to Mr Potter have been left at Reidvale Adenture Playground in Dennistoun

Mr Potter was struck by a car while crossing the road after using a cash machine near Istanbul's naval museum last Thursday morning.

Local news reports said he was then hit again by another vehicle while on the road.

Ekol TV reported two men were arrested in connection with the incident.

Dozens of tributes have been left at Reidvale Adenture Playground in Dennistoun, close to where Mr Potter grew up.

'One of a kind'

A GoFundMe page set up in the hours following Mr Potter's death shattered its initial target, with all funds raised shared among his children.

Ms Potter said: "I have been totally overwhelmed by the support I have received from everyone.

"Fly high Christopher, we loved you so much."

A Rangers statement said: "Christopher Potter was truly one of a kind and we would urge all supporters in attendance at Ibrox tomorrow evening to join the minute's applause in tribute to one of our own.

"He will be missed by everyone who knew him and the thoughts of everyone at Rangers are with his family and friends at this time."