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Update given on Stuart Pearce after he was taken ill with plane forced to divert mid-air

 An update has been given on Stuart Pearce after he was taken ill with the plane he was on forced to divert while mid-air.

On 2nd of March, the former England football legend experienced a serious health scare aboard a Virgin Atlantic flight from Las Vegas to London Heathrow.

The 62-year-old was traveling with his partner after attending a rugby league match between Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors in Las Vegas.

Several hours into the flight, Pearce began showing signs of distress, wincing in pain and shifting uncomfortably in his seat in the economy section of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Concerned passengers and crew monitored his condition, eventually hooking him up to a heart monitor as his discomfort worsened.

The flight crew made the decision to divert the plane to St. John’s International Airport in Canada for an emergency landing early on Monday morning.

Upon arrival, Pearce was rushed to a hospital, where he is reportedly recovering.

A source described him as being in significant pain during the ordeal, but he expressed gratitude for the care he received and the decision to divert the flight.

The remaining 225 passengers continued their journey to Heathrow, arriving at 6:15 PM on Monday—six hours behind schedule.

Pearce, known for his tough-tackling style that earned him the nickname “Psycho” during his playing career, had been scheduled to speak at an event in Coventry later that week but was replaced by former teammate John Barnes due to the incident.

Virgin Atlantic issued a statement prioritising the safety and well-being of passengers and crew, apologising for the delay caused by the diversion.

As of March 8th, 2025, Pearce remains in Canada, with well-wishes for his recovery coming from fans and colleagues alike.

A source said: “Stuart’s pains appeared to be getting worse as the flight continued.

“He was constantly shifting position in his seat to try and find some comfort.

“It was very clear the situation was serious.

“The crew and other passengers trained in first aid were marvellous.

“He received the best available care in the circumstances and was so grateful to everyone involved, and for the plane diverting to Canada.”

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “Due to an unwell customer on board, the VS156 on March 2 flying from Las Vegas to London Heathrow diverted to St John’s International Airport, Canada, and was met by the medical services.

“The safety and well-being of our customers and crew is always our number one priority and we apologise for the delay to our customers’ journey.”

Sam Matterface said to talkSPORT on Saturday: “I spoke to him yesterday, he was in great spirits.

“He isn’t 100 per cent – that is definitely the case.

“But he’s in the right place in the hospital. They’re dealing with it.

“He’s a little bit disappointed about not being here today. He actually said to me, ‘I’ve got so much I’ve had to cancel. Great games and Mumford and Sons are playing next Wednesday night and I can’t go!’

“He’s in hospital playing Guess The Intro – so he’s in good spirits.”

Fans sent their best wishes after the update given on Stuart Pearce after he was taken ill with the plane forced to divert mid-air…

@Colin_Wright_: Hope Stuart Pearce is ok, legend and patriot!

@nffcbod: I’ve seen Stuart Pearce play hundreds of games. He was not a passenger in a single one. Get well soon, psycho!

@DJDewar_uk: Wishing Stuart Pearce a speedy recovery. He was my first real hero that wasn’t my dad. As a kid & adult I played left back, he was my idol, I wanted to play just like he did. Get well Psycho #nffc

@traceymillar64: Wishing the legend Stuart Pearce a very speedy recovery ❤️ #psycho #nffc

@chrisrumbelow1: Wish one of my favourite players of all time, Stuart Pearce all the best. There’s no doubt he’s a battler so get well soon Pearcy.

@gizmoismycat: Get well soon Stuart, You’re our Nottingham Legend x

@GaribaldiNG2: Got quite upset reading about Stuart Pearce’s health scare. Take it easy skipper, speedy recovery. #NFFC

@hannahforest: Worrying news about Stuart Pearce. I hope he will make a full recovery. Seems nobody is invincible. 😟 #nffc

@Gazlavine: Beings he played for both wouldn’t a minutes applause in the 3rd minute be nice for stuart Pearce to let him were all thinking about him. X

@TomLeighton7: 🙏🏼 Psycho ❤️

@domthered: All thoughts go out to Stuart Pearce and family he never gave up as a player I’m sure he’ll come through this and make a full recovery! #nffc

@toni9411: Get well soon 💙

@LeahBramley03: Terrible news about Stuart Pearce tonight. Wishing him nothing but a speedy recovery 🙏

@Mrs_Harris1806: Horrible to read anything like that about Stuart Pearce tonight! Every Forest fan is behind you Stu! Rest up and get better!! You reds 🫶 #nffc #psychopsychopsycho

@ClaireNffc_xo: Someone tell me Stuart Pearce is okay right now 😩

@jamieallan1998: Please someone tell me Stuart Pearce is okay, please 🙏🏼

@CarnorJax87: If anyone can bounce back, then it’s Stuart Pearce. The entire #NFFC family is with you.

@MeganKatieLyall: I’m so sorry, I know that this is very last minute. But how about in the 3rd minute of tomorrow’s match against City that fans start a big round of applause or a chant for Stuart Pearce? Once a red, always a red! Forever our Psycho. #NFFC • @Forza_Garibaldi ❤️🌳 x

@samuelb06214426: He was the best Left Back in his playing days strong as an ox and respected. Thank goodness he had good care on board flight and subsequently. That pain is unforgiving, invariably comes out of the blue. He’s had the gypsy warning, it’s time to slow down

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