Stuart Pearce suffered "a medical emergency" while on a flight back to the UK from Las Vegas.
The 62-year-old England football legend had flown to the Nevada city with his wife to watch the Super League match between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves.
A source told The Sun: "He was clearly in a lot of pain. He was constantly shifting position in his seat to try and find some comfort.
“He received the best available care in the circumstances and was so grateful to everyone involved, and for the plane diverting to Canada.”
Stuart Pearce had a health scare on board a plane from Las Vegas back to the UK
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Stuart Pearce was in Las Vegas to watch the Superleague Rugby match between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves
PAThe source added the flight crew placed the Nottingham Forest legend on a monitor as shocked passengers looked on.
The flight was then diverted to Canada where Pearce is said to be recovering in hospital.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told The Sun: "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."
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Stuart Pearce is a Nottingham Forest legend
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Pearce had been due to speak at an event at the Christ The King Parish Centre in Coventry on Thursday, but was replaced by former England team-mate John Barnes "due to unforeseen circumstances."
Pearce has been a fan of Warrington Wolves since befriending former coach Tony Smith.
He has regularly attended games around his busy schedule of punditry work and various talks, including at events and universities.
He was last involved in football when part of David Moyes' coaching staff at West Ham, before departing in 2022.
