TEAMMATES have paid tribute to a Sunday league footballer who was killed after a van ploughed into a crowd – with its driver arrested on suspicion of murder.
Sam Wilson, 26, had just left a pub in Ilkeston, Derbyshire with his teammates at around 2am on Saturday when a van collided with them.
The van’s driver was arrested on suspicion of murder following the horror smash. The 27-year-old remains in custody tonight.
Euro Soccer Long Eaton Sunday League said: “The league would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and teammates of Sam Wilson of AFC Curzon.
“Sam lost his life in an incident in Ilkeston last night.
“Our thoughts are with him and those that he leaves behind.”
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Curzon AFC coach Wayne Riley said: “It’s taken me all day to process what happened in the early hours of this morning.
“But it’s with a broken heart that I am writing this.
“I first met Sam at Long Eaton Utd and I knew when I first saw him play that he was good.
“Two days after he turned 16 he made his debut for me in Long Eaton Utd Reserves and proved he was good enough to play at that level by scoring.
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“He always played with a smile on his face was never greedy always wanting to set others up instead of having a go himself.
“I have lost a very good footballer, a great lad and a good mate.
“Until I can be your football manager again Sam and we meet again on the heavenly pitch R.I.P you will be truly missed.”
Two other men were taken to hospital for treatment for injuries and are now recovering at home.
COP PROBE
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome, who is the senior officer leading the investigation, said: “We have a team of officers working to establish the events of that night, which has included viewing CCTV footage from around the Market Place that night.
“I would like to thank all those who have come forward and spoken to us as part of our enquiries so far.”
DCI Croome added: “We would particularly like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed or have any information about reports of an altercation at The Market Inn shortly before the incident.
“Any information you have could be vital to our investigation.”
Anyone with information can contact police with the reference number 23*771155.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
