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    Sheffield United pay incredible tribute to late George Baldock during play-off clash after tragic death aged just 31

    SHEFFIELD UNITED paid an emotional tribute to late club legend George Baldock after they booked their place in the play-off final.Baldock’s name echoed around Bramall Lane after the Blades saw off a 6-0 aggregate semi-final win over Bristol City on Monday night.Sheffield United paid an emotional tribute to late club legend George BaldockCredit: AlamySheffield United players held up a Greek Flag with ‘Star Man’ written on itCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBefore kick-off a huge Tifo was placed over the home section with his face alongside with the words: ‘Once a Blade, always a Blade.’Credit: Shutterstock EditorialBaldock was found dead at his home in Athens in October 2024 after joining Greek team Panathinaikos FC last summer.The right wing-back drowned in his swimming pool before medics failed to resuscitate him.And after booking their place at Wembley on May 24, Baldock’s former club organised a touching tribute in his honour.All sections of the ground rose to sing “Starman” in unison, which was a chant created about Baldock to the tune of David Bowie’s iconic song during his playing days.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Chris Wilder’s side paraded the Greek flag around the pitch at full-time to pay their own tribute.The flag had “Star Man” and Baldock’s shirt number, which was No2, written in bold. Before kick-off a huge Tifo was placed over the home section with Baldock’s picture alongside with the words: “Once a Blade, always a Blade.”And former Everton star Tom Davies was spotted walking with the Greek flag draped around him.Most read in FootballTom Davies was spotted walking with the Greek flag around him at full-timeCredit: PAGoals from Kieffer Moore, Gustavo Hamer and Callum O’Hare saw the home side enjoy a 3-0 win in the second leg, adding to the comprehensive victory by the same scoreline at Ashton Gate.The Blades will face either Sunderland or Coventry in the final in two weeks time, with the Black Cats leading that tie 2-1 heading into Tuesday night’s second leg.Baldock made more than 400 appearances in English football and spent seven seasons at Bramall Lane last summer.He made 219 appearances in all competitions for the Blades, helping them to promotion to the Premier League in 2019 – and again in 2023.Baldock was found unresponsive in his pool after his partner, who was in the UK, reportedly raised the alarm because he was not answering his phone. Paying tribute, his family said: “You were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.’Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.” More

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    Colin Booth dead at 90: Two-time Wolves title winner who scored four in one game vs Arsenal passes away

    FORMER Wolves star Colin Booth has died at the age of 90.The former striker won two Division One titles with the club in the 1950s.Colin Booth has passed awayCredit: AlamyHe won the First Division title twice during his time at WolvesCredit: RexBooth’s death was confirmed by Wolves as the club released a statement.It read: “Colin Booth, who twice won the First Division title with Wolves during the 1950s, has sadly passed away at the age of 90.”The thoughts of all at Wolves are with Colin’s family and friends at this sad time.”While the Wolves Former Players Association also paid its respects.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt posted: “All at Wolves FPA send their sincere condolences to the family and friends of former player Colin Booth, who has passed away at the age of 90.”He started his career at Wolves as an apprentice and went on to score 27 goals in 83 appearances.He famously scored four times against Arsenal in one game during the club’s 1957/58 title-winning campaign.The performance came in a brilliant 5-2 win at the Molineux while he also notched a hat-trick against Portsmouth and Sheffield United.Most read in FootballBooth was also a part of the club that won the title again in 1959.He left Wolves that year and joined Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Nottingham Forest.He had spells at Doncaster Rovers, Oxford United and Cambridge United before retiring at Cheltenham Town.Tributes have been made to the former England U21S star on social media by fans.One posted: “Sad news. Rest in peace, Colin Booth. My condolences to his loved ones.”A second wrote: “Rest easy Colin.”A third commented: “Rest in peace.” More

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    Emotional tributes paid to former Fulham keeper after death at 37 following month in a coma

    TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of former Fulham keeper Corrin Brooks-Meade.The stopper passed away on April 5 aged 37 after spending a month in a coma.Former Fulham goalkeeper Corrin Brooks-Meade has sadly diedCredit: FacebookFriend and team-mate Lyle Taylor led the touching tributesCredit: RexBrooks-Meade suffered a stroke and bleed on the brain a month before his tragic death.He was on the books of Fulham as a youngster, regularly playing for their reserve side but never made his full debut.The Londoner, who had a spell on loan at AFC Wimbledon in 2007, was close to signing for Bournemouth when they were in League One after being released by the Cottagers.But he went on to have a successful career in Cypriot football, playing for seven clubs in the country.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrooks-Meade was also capped 23 times by the Montserrat national team.He became close pals with the nation’s captain and Colchester striker Lyle Taylor while on international duty.Taylor told the Daily Mail: “When it’s somebody your age who you’ve spent so much time with over the years and seen grow both as a footballer and as a man, it hits you hard.”It’s going to sound really cliche, but Corrin was a leader. He was a brick wall. He was probably, in all honesty, the best of us as a group.Most read in Football”He was just a brilliant person and we’re all lucky to have been able to share special moments with him.”Fans added: “So sad. Condolences to the family.”Another wrote: “Awful news to hear. What a player he’s been for us over the years, completely taken aback by it.”A third said: “Rest in peace Corrin sad to hear of your passing buddy.”Many supporters and old team-mates have donated to a GoFundMe page setup in his honour.Brooks-Meade continued playing for Montserrat until last year despite retiring from club football in 2021.He kept busy after hanging up his gloves by opening an Afro-Caribbean food business in Cyprus. His uncle was Raphael Meade, who played for Arsenal from 1981 to 1985. More

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    ‘Looking forward to tomorrow’ – Heartbreaking final post of tragic Shane Richardson, 29, just hours before fatal crash

    SHANE RICHARDSON’S tragic final interview has left fans heartbroken.The 29-year-old sadly passed away at a British Superbikes event at Oulton Park on Bank Holiday Monday.Shane Richardson sadly passed away after a horror crashCredit: https://www.instagram.com/shanerichardson28/Owen Jenner [right] also tragically diedCredit: https://x.com/everythingmraceRichardson and fellow rider Owen Jenner, 21, both died after being caught up in a horrific 11-bike accident on turn one.Less than 24 hours before the race, Richardson took to Instagram to post a clip from an interview where he spoke about looking ahead to his next race.The dad of two said: “Sprint race was good. Bad start, went backwards quite a few positions.”But we managed to figure it out, get some good consistent pace going, matching the times with a few of the boys ahead of us.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORT”So yeah, looking forward to tomorrow, hopefully get a better start and be a bit more in the mix.”A statement from the British Superbike Championship confirmed the two deaths. It read: “Owen Jenner was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre, where despite further resuscitation treatment, he died from a catastrophic head injury.”Shane Richardson was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre before being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe chest injuries. He died prior to arrival.”Brit rider Jenner had been competing for Rapid Honda and New Zealander Richardson was riding for Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki.Most read in MotorsportThe crash also saw Tom Tunstall hurt and five others taken to the circuit medical centre for minor problems.On Tunstall, the statement said: “He was later transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries.”Cops have launched an investigation into the crash which saw the rest of event was cancelled.Richardson was a father of twoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/shanerichardson28/Jenner died aged just 21 in the awful smashCredit: https://www.instagram.com/owenjenner86/Police are investigating the tragedyCredit: TNT Sports More

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    Luis Galvan dead aged 77: Tributes pour in as Argentine World Cup winner dies just two weeks after legendary team-mate

    A FORMER Argentine World Cup winner has died – two weeks after the South American nation lost one of its most iconic goalkeepers Hugo Gatti.Luis Galvan died around midday local time today aged 77 in the city of Cordoba where he had spent the last few years living and was admitted to hospital earlier this year.Former centre-back Luis Galvan earned 34 caps for his countryCredit: GettyGalvan, standing third from left, helped Argentina to World Cup gloryCredit: AFP – GettyThe highlight of his footballing career came when he was selected to represent Argentina at the 1978 World Cup, which the country staged and won for the first time.He played all games in the tournament alongside captain Daniel Passarella including the final in the Monumental Stadium against the Netherlands, which they won 3-1.Galvan retired from international football with 34 caps, a year after the nation’s disappointing campaign at the 1982 World Cup when they were eliminated in the second group phase.The former centre-back spent most of his career playing for Talleres de Cordoba, the club he started out with professionally and returned to in 1986 following a year in Bolivia where he played for La Paz-based side Bolivar.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt emerged around three weeks ago that Luis was ill in hospital with pneumonia in both lungs.His family had previously revealed in March that he had been hospitalised with a kidney problem.A relative said he had gone down with pneumonia after picking up a virus while he was being treated, insisting at the time he was getting better and saying: “His desire to live remains intact.”Club Atletico Talleres, the full name of the club where Galvan made 503 appearances over a period of 17 years, posted on X: “We communicate with great sadness the passing of Luis Adolfo Galvan, emblem of the Club and World Champion with the Argentina National Team in 1978.Most read in FootballGalvan played at World Cups in 1978 and 1982Credit: Getty“We accompany your family and loved ones at this time, and we raise our prayers for the eternal rest of their soul. We accompany your family and loved ones at this time, and we raise our prayers for the eternal rest of their soul.”Legendary Argentinian goalkeeper Hugo Gatti died on April 20, just over a month after being admitted to a hospital intensive care unit in his homeland when he contacted pneumonia following a hip operation.Remembering Hugo Gatti: The Legendary ‘El Loco’ GoalkeeperThe retired goalkeeper, nicknamed El Loco or The Madman because of his outspoken character and eccentric style of play, was operated after injuring himself in a street fall as he walked his dog.The 80-year-old’s surgery went well – but a virus he also contracted in hospital is said to have led to him suffering post-op complications and the breathing problems that ended up with Gatti in a high-dependency care unit and ultimately led to his death.Gatti, capped 18 times by his country, was part of the Argentine squad that travelled to England for the 1966 World Cup.He has been described as the first goalkeeper to wear gloves and one of the first to regularly leave his penalty area. He would often take on opponents and venture upfield. He was also an expert penalty stopper.After retiring following 13 years at his last club Boca Juniors he became a controversial TV football pundit.He bizarrely claimed in 2019 Lionel Messi must quit Barcelona and join Real Madrid to prove he was truly the greatest of all time.Read More on The SunLucas, one of the two children he had with his wife of more than 50 years Nacha Nodar, was also a professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Argentinos Juniors, Dundee, and Badajoz.He was appointed U23 manager at Bromley Football Club after hanging up his boots.Hugo Gatti sadly died last month aged 80 More

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    Aston Villa legend dies aged 91 as tributes pour in after last surviving member of 1957 FA Cup-winning team passes away

    AN ASTON Villa legend has died – as tributes pour in for the last surviving member of club’s 1957 FA Cup-winning team. Peter McParland, who also won 34 caps for his country, had recently celebrated his 91st birthday before his death, according to the club.Peter McParland was the last surviving member of 1957 FA Cup-winning teamHe passed away shortly after his 91st birthday, the club has confirmedCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe Northern Irishman scored both goals in the historic 2-1 win against Manchester United at Wembley – the last time the club lifted the trophy.He is also remembered for a dramatic extra-time winner against Rotherham United in 1961 – securing his team the League Cup title. This made him the first footballer to score in both major domestic knockout cup finals.Over a ten-year stint for Aston Villa, McParland scored 121 goals in 341 appearances.read more football newsHe was equally instrumental to his national side, scoring five goals for Northern Ireland at the 1958 World Cup – in which they reached the quarter finals.He remains the record-holder for the highest scoring Northern Irishman in World Cup history.In a statement, the club said it was “profoundly saddened” by the news of his death.It added: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Peter’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”Most read in FootballMcParland was born in Newry, Northern Ireland, in April 1934 – and began his career with Dundalk FC.He was later signed by Villa manager George Martin – making his debut at home to Wolves in September 1952.The plucky young player was still a teenager when he won the first of his 34 international caps – scoring twice against Wales in 1954.As well as the League Cup and FA Cup titles, McParland also helped Villa to the Second Division title in 1959-60.Praising his breadth of talent, the club wrote: “Equally at home at centre-forward as on the left wing, McParland boasted a powerful header of the ball as well as possessing a talented left foot.”In January 1962, after his career at Villa, McParland joined Wolves for £35,000.And in the latter years of his career, he also had spells with Plymouth Argyle and Worcester City – as well as Toronto Inter-Roma in Canada and Atalanta Chiefs in the US.In 2015, Aston Villa hosted McParland as a guest at the 2015 cup final against Arsenal.And in January this year, he attended a special exhibition at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to mark the club’s 150th anniversary.The Aston Villa team following the win against Manchester UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    Tragedy as 14-year-old footballer dies after suffering cardiac arrest during match as club release emotional statement

    A 14-YEAR-OLD footballer has died while playing in France.Ousmane Diaby collapsed on the pitch while in action for Jeunesse Aubervilliers against Auxerre.A 14-year-old footballer has died while playing in a match in FranceHe has passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest.A club statement read: “It is with immense sorrow that we announce the tragic death of our dear Ousmane Diaby, 14.”Diaby received immediate attention following his collapse and efforts were made to resuscitate him.He was rushed to Dijon hospital by air ambulance before passing away on Wednesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club have launched a fundraiser to aid his family and help with funeral costs – it has already raised £7,600.They paid tribute to the youngster, saying: “This is a day of mourning for the city. Losing such a young child on a football pitch is a heartbreaking experience for all of us.”Ousmane was a child with a huge heart, with an exemplary upbringing. “He helped his mother every day with daily tasks, and volunteered with the youngest members of the club, including the Under-9s. Most read in Football”Always smiling, helpful, respectful – he leaves an indelible mark on our lives.”We will miss you Ousmane. You’ll remain in our hearts forever.Football charity encourages Scots to donate old kits to help vulnerable people”We love you so much little brother. Rest in peace.”The club will observe a minute’s silence in Diaby’s memory ahead of their Under-16’s next match.Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), sent his “most sincere condolences” to Diaby’s relatives and the club management. More

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    Joel Evans dead aged 30: Family pay heartbreaking tribute to motocross star with rider set to become dad in months

    MOTOCROSS star Joel Evans has sadly passed away following a horror crash.The 30-year-old Aussie rider was set to become a dad later this year.Joel Evans has tragically passed awayCredit: Instagram @joelevans_81Evans was set to become a father in OctoberCredit: Instagram @joelevans_81His partner Michaela was with him for ten yearsCredit: Instagram @joelevans_81Evans’s fatal crash occurred at the Gillman Speedway in Adelaide while he competed in the elite ProMX Championship.He was rushed to hospital but tragically could not be saved.His family posted a touching message online, which read: “Yesterday we lost the most incredible person on this earth. The most authentic, loved and kind hearted soul.“He loved and devoted his life to this sport which brought him so much joy and he rode it out right till the end. READ MORE IN SPORT”We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support for our beautiful man.“He is such a loved partner, uncle, brother, friend and son but most proudly a father to our adored little boy who is joining us in October.”Please share his name, share his legacy, this incredible man deserves to be remembered across the generations. We love you so much Joely.”His sister Renae added: “What do you say when you have no words? Yesterday our lives changed forever.Most read in Motorsport”Joel was the best brother a girl could ask for, and an even greater uncle for my girls.”He used to joke about not wanting to get old, now he never has to.”Joel was doing what he loved and was in one of the happiest eras of his life, but that doesn’t make saying goodbye any easier.”We love you so much buddy. More than you’ll ever understand. Ride. In. Peace #81.“And for those reading. Hug your loved ones extra today, and please don’t ever take your time for granted. Tomorrow isn’t promised for any of us.”Evans, who was with his partner Michaela for ten years, bravely fought back to compete again after a horror accident in 2015 left him with a broken neck. More