Former Nottingham Forest and England defender Stuart Pearce is said to be in “great spirits” after recovering from a “medical emergency” while flying from Las Vegas to London last weekend.
Pearce was on his way back from watching an English rugby league game between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves, which was staged in La Vegas last Saturday, when he “fell ill” and forced the plane to hurriedly land in Canada.
The ex-Forest and Manchester City manager who is now a pundit received medical attention from staff and fellow passengers aboard his Virgin Atlantic flight, Talksport revealed on Saturday afternoon.
“I spoke to him yesterday and he was in great spirits,” Pearce’s frequent commentary partner Sam Matterface outlined during the coverage of Forest’s 1-0 win over Manchester City on Saturday. “He isn’t 100% – 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.'”
The big screen at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground unveiled an image of Pearce beneath the caption “Get well soon Stuart” during the game.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson uncovered the details of the enforced landing which took place to ensure Pearce received further medical treatment, telling the BBC: “Due to an unwell customer onboard, the VS156 on 2 March 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 wellbeing of our customers and crew is always our number one priority and we apologise for the delay to our customers’ journey.”
Pearce won 78 caps for England during a career which began with non-league Wealdstone. The trained electrician was still advertising the services of his second business in the back of Nottingham Forest’s matchday programme while establishing himself as a one of the best left-backs of his era.
