Tributes were paid to two police officers who were killed in a road collision near Middlesbrough last week during Premier League matches on Sunday. PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough died after the vehicle they were in was struck by a car traveling the wrong way on a dual carriageway.

At the Leeds United versus Brentford game, match officials wore black armbands to honor the officers. Referee Tony Harrington, a personal friend of PC Blades, was among those visibly marking the occasion. Meanwhile, at Old Trafford, PC Blades’ two children participated as mascots during Manchester United’s match against Ipswich Town. PC Blades was known as a dedicated Manchester United supporter.

In addition to paying respects to the fallen officers, Manchester United also unveiled a commemorative platform in memory of Chas Banks MBE, the former secretary of the club’s Disabled Supporters Association, who passed away in 2024. The club’s gestures highlighted the community’s ongoing efforts to recognize those who have contributed both on and off the field.