Nottingham Forest and Manchester City supporters have conveyed heartfelt messages of support to Stuart Pearce, the esteemed former England player, following a recent health incident.
It was reported that Pearce faced a medical emergency during a trans-Atlantic flight, which necessitated an emergency landing in Canada.
During Saturday’s match between Forest and City, two clubs Pearce previously played for, fans honored him with applause in the third minute of the game.
A message reading ‘Get well Stuart’ was shown on the big screen at City Ground, and commentators from TNT Sports also paid homage to the celebrated defender.
Spectators in the stadium also unfurled a banner to express their support for Pearce.
Pearce, aged 62, famously wore the number three jersey for several of his clubs and for the English national team.
An iconic figure in English football, Pearce made approximately 460 appearances for Forest and won two League Cups with the club. He also managed Nottingham Forest for 32 matches between 2014 and 2015.
Manchester City was where Pearce concluded his playing career, spending a single season with the team and playing 43 games. He later took on his first managerial position at City, overseeing the club for 97 games from 2005 to 2007.
Forest’s official X account also posted “Psycho” followed by a heart emoji in the third minute, referencing Pearce’s well-known nickname from his playing days.
Pearce, who played 78 times for England, was hospitalized after the in-flight health issue but is now in recovery.
During the flight on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the crew diligently monitored him and decided to reroute the plane to St John’s in Canada, landing early Monday.
Upon landing, medics boarded the aircraft and transported the former Nottingham Forest defender to a hospital.
Pearce and his partner were traveling in economy class on Flight VS156, which departed the US at 8.45 pm last Sunday.
According to a source, “Stuart’s discomfort seemed to worsen as the flight progressed.
“He was continually adjusting his position in his seat, trying to get comfortable.
“It was evident that the situation was serious. The flight crew and passengers trained in first aid were exceptional.
“He received the best possible care under the circumstances and is deeply thankful to everyone involved, including for diverting the plane to Canada.”
A Virgin Atlantic representative stated, “Due to a passenger falling ill onboard, flight VS156 from Las Vegas to London Heathrow on March 2 was diverted to St John’s International Airport in Canada, where medical services were ready to assist.
“The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew are always our top priority, and we regret any inconvenience caused by the delay.”
