Man Utd pay tribute to 'proud Red' crash death officer
Manchester United is honoring PC Matthew Blades, a police officer killed in a recent car crash, by having his sons serve as mascots at an upcoming match. The club and local community have expressed deep condolences for the officer and his colleague who died in the same incident.
Why it matters
The tribute highlights the intersection of professional sports and community mourning following a tragic public safety incident.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Manchester United described PC Matthew Blades as "a devoted family man and a police officer who dedicated his life to helping others"
Chief football news reporter at Old Trafford Published 14 minutes ago The two sons of a police officer killed in a crash on Teesside will lead out the Manchester United team as mascots for Sunday's Premier League match against Ipswich at Old Trafford.
PC Matthew Blades, described as a "proud Red" by United, was a regular at Old Trafford. The club have paid tribute to him in Sunday's match programme. His widow will attend the game with their children.
PC Blades and his colleague PC Tom Clough died in a head-on collision between their police car and a vehicle going the wrong way on the A66 near Middlesbrough early on 22 August. Five people in the other vehicle also died.
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