Wife of Rangers fan who tragically died in Istanbul breaks silence with heartbreaking tribute to 'devoted family man'

The wife of a Rangers fan who tragically passed away in Istanbul last week has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her husband, stating he was a ‘hard-working, devoted family man’.

Rangers confirmed the devastating news that Christopher Potter had died on Thursday, March 6, ahead of the side’s 3-1 Europa League defeat by Fenerbahce.

The club confirmed that Christopher had been involved in a ‘road traffic accident.’

The 40-year-old roofer leaves behind wife Holly Potter, 38, Jak, 20, Millie, 13 and Teddy, 6.

Christopher was born and raised in Glasgow and was dubbed ‘Mr Duke Street’ by his wife, Holly. 

‘We are all absolutely devastated by the news about Christopher,’ Holly said.

‘He was a hard-working, devoted family man who always had time for those close to him.

‘Never short of a smart or funny remark, he will be missed by everyone who knew him and will forever be in our hearts.

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

‘He loved singing karaoke, and it was impossible to get the mic off him.

‘He also loved his food and was well-known for sharing pics of his dinner amongst family and friends.

‘As well as his family and friends, the other love of Christopher’s life was his football team, Glasgow Rangers.

‘The only comfort we have at the moment is that he was following the team he loved when he passed away.’

His friends and relatives have started a GoFundMe page to help support his family which has surpassed £165,000 in donations – with many from the football community, including ex-Scotland star Robert Snodgrass, making donations.

Many have also paid their respects to Christopher, with many having left tributes against a wall nearby to a football pitch where he used to play while fans in Istanbul tied scarves and shirts to a set of railings in his memory.

‘Christopher grew up in Dennistoun in the east end and was known as Mr Duke Street. 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.

‘I have been totally overwhelmed by the support I have received from everyone.

‘The GoFundMe page that has been set up has raised an incredible amount. Of course, no amount of money will bring Christopher back, but it will be shared among his children.

‘We would ask for time and privacy as a family as we try to cope with this unbearable news.

‘Fly high Christopher, we loved you so much.’

Rangers have also announced that the club will hold a 40th-minute applause tribute during their match against Fenerbahce at Ibrox on Thursday.

A Rangers spokesperson issued a statement on Wednesday in which the club said it was ‘saddened to learn of the news of the passing of lifelong supporter, Christopher Potter.’

The statement read: ‘A social butterfly, he touched the lives of everyone he encountered and was the life and soul of every party. Those close to him would joke that he would be at the opening of an envelope such was his affable nature.

‘Christopher was never short of a smart or funny remark, and he was only too keen when the opportunity presented to step forward at karaoke and belt out some well-known classics on the mic.

‘He was born and raised in Dennistoun in the east end of Glasgow but known as Mr. Duke Street. Very rarely were those in the company of Christopher able to traverse the two-mile-long street without him rhyming off exactly when each building was erected and its number of owners since.

‘He was, in essence, an old soul who friends would joke should have been born in an earlier era.

‘Christopher’s love for Rangers, meanwhile, was unbridled. A season ticket holder, he followed the club wherever they played and was known to frequent Ibrox regularly to visit his son Teddy’s brick.

‘Indeed, such was his affection for Rangers that the name of his youngest son, Teddy, was a play on the club’s ‘Teddy Bears’ nickname. He was only recently able to persuade his wife, Holly, that Teddy should accompany him to Ibrox for evening matches given he had school the next morning.

‘The family’s comfort at this moment in time is that he passed away while following the team he loved so dearly.’

Rangers added: ‘The Potter family are overwhelmed by the support from the Rangers family and wider footballing world.

‘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 on the 40th minute mark in tribute to one of our own.

‘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.’