A MINUTE’S applause was observed at a Premier League match on Saturday for a second generation Irishman and his friend who died in the MH17 tragedy in Ukraine last month.
Aston Villa supporters joined Newcastle United fans to pay tribute to second generation Irishman Liam Sweeney and fellow NUFC fan John Alder, whose lives were tragically taken on July 17.
As well as the applause, which took place in the 17th minute of the game at Villa Park, a banner was unfurled in honour of the pair.
Last Thursday hundreds of mourners gathered for the funeral of Sweeney, which took place at St Mary's Cathedral in Newcastle.
During the hour-long service,the 28-year-old was remembered as a "family man” who had a passion for reading and a “gentle giant who never had a smile off his face".
The front of the order of service said the occasion was a celebration of Liam Sweeney's life.
Loved ones of Sweeney were joined by staff from Newcastle United Football Club, including manager Alan Pardew and team captain Fabricio Coloccini.
Pardew later said: “It was important for the city that we honoured the memory of Liam and it was done in a fabulous way, in my opinion. I thought it was a great service. We were there to pay our tribute to what was an absolute mad Geordie fan.”
He added: “It’s such a shame that we have lost two of our greats, but I thought it was done in a very nice manner, and respect to everyone who was there.
“I just think we tried to be there as much as we can as support for them (the family). We have done a number of issues at the club that the family has appreciated - and that’s all we can do.”
Bar manager at the Tyneside Irish Centre, Michael Linsley, confirmed that “a lot of people from the club”, where Mr Sweeney was a well-liked member, had attended the funeral service.
Meanwhile supporters are organising a fundraising night for the two families at the Labour Club in Newcastle on September 6.
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