Shrewsbury boss Steve Cotterill subjected to vile abuse by Bristol Rovers fans

SHREWSBURY boss Steve Cotterill blasted Bristol Rovers fans who subjected him to vile abuse at the Memorial Ground.

The former Bristol City chief was targeted after he saw his side draw 1-1 on Saturday.

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One supporter shouted, “I wish you were dead”  at Cotterill — who  was seriously ill with Covid last season.

Cotterill, 58, was involved in a verbal stand-off with the small group of fans in the stands.

He said: “That abuse is not acceptable but I have lots of good friends who are ardent Rovers fans.

“It’s a few people who decided they wanted to have something to say.

“But I don’t know what you can do about it. You’ve just got to take it.”

Cotterill was admitted to hospital on two separate occasions while suffering from Covid last year.

He spent time in intensive care at Bristol Royal Infirmary as he battled the virus.

Cotterill initially tested positive for Covid and went into hospital in January 2021 before leaving in mid-February, but was readmitted soon after with Covid-pneumonia.

Ahead of Shrewsbury’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool back in January, Cotterill said he was “lucky to be alive”.

Cotterill admitted to the BBC: “There was a moment that I was frightened to go to sleep because I wasn’t sure if I was going to wake up.

“I’m lucky to be alive.”