ARSENAL and Sheffield United paid a touching tribute to murdered police sergeant Matt Ratana before kick-off in their Premier League clash today.
Metropolitan Police officer Ratana was shot dead by a handcuffed suspect inside Croydon Police Station on September 25.
The shirts pay tribute to murdered cop Matt Ratana ahead of the match between Arsenal and Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Police officers’ silent tribute to fallen comrade Sgt Matt Ratana with the club shirt adorning his name at the Emirates todayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Tragic Met Police sergeant Matt Ratana, who was killed in the line of dutyCredit: Rex Features
Seats at the Emirates were dressed in kits bearing his name as an emotional gesture to mark the tragic death.
One was an Arsenal shirt, another was a Blades one, with a police uniform and a police helmet on a seat in between.
Police officers stood above the shirts in one of the stands at the North Londoners’ ground, paying their own silent tribute.
The 54-year-old Ratana was shot as he prepared to search the suspect.
The New Zealander was also a coach at East Grinstead Rugby Club.
The two teams met in the Premier League today.
A joint message from the clubs read: “Sergeant Ratana served in the Hackney area between 2010 and 2015, and was the centrepiece of community policing.
“Our condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues.”
Many teams in the UK held a minute silence prior to their games in a mark of respect for Ratana.
Emotional memorial held for ‘hero’ Sgt Matt Ratana at East Grinstead Rugby Club after he was shot dead in Croydon police station
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
