The two sons of a police officer killed in a head-on collision in Teesside walked out with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
PC Matthew Blades, described by the club as a “proud Red”, lost his life alongside colleague PC Tom Clough when a vehicle driving the wrong way struck them on the A66 at South Bank last weekend.
Middlesbrough honoured the two officers and the wider Cleveland Police force on Saturday, before United welcomed PC Blades’ wife and two sons to their Premier League fixture against Ipswich.
Serving as matchday mascots, the children stepped onto the pitch accompanied by captain Bruno Fernandes and goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The Premier League club offered its “great sadness” over the deaths of both officers in the official matchday programme.
open image in gallery“Matthew was a proud Red, a devoted family man and a police officer who dedicated his life to helping others,” United said.
“For Matt, some of his happiest times were spent watching United with his boys. His wife Sarah and two children will be at today’s game, with his sons leading out the Reds as mascots.”
An image of Blades with his two sons at Old Trafford featured in the programme, along with a tribute from an unnamed close friend and colleague.
“For Matthew, United was a lifelong love, a passion he shared with his family,” the tribute read.
“Since Matt’s tragic death there has been an extraordinary outpouring of grief and support. That love has been seen in countless tributes and acts of kindness.
“Today, we remember a fellow Red. A husband. A father. A son. A brother. A friend. A police officer. A man who gave his life in the service of others. Forever our superhero.”
On Saturday, Middlesbrough FC supporters applauded Pc Matthew Blades and Pc Tom Clough before their 12.30pm home game against West Bromwich Albion.
open image in galleryPictures of the two officers were displayed on screens in the Riverside Stadium and the crowd and players gave them a round of applause.
The King has also written to their families to express his condolences, the Mirror reported.
Middlesbrough FC said in a statement: “The commitment shown by officers and staff, often in challenging and demanding circumstances, plays a vital role in keeping residents safe and helping people feel secure in their homes, neighbourhoods and local areas.”
Cole Worthy, 17; Theo Rae, 17; Makai Saddington, 18; and 23-year-olds Michael Cahill and Jakub Matusiak were also killed in the crash.