The sons of a police officer killed in a head-on A66 crash led Manchester United onto the pitch at Old Trafford on Sunday.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and colleague PC Tom Clough, 38, died when a Volkswagen Passat drove the wrong way and struck their response vehicle near Middlesbrough. Five young men in the Passat were also killed. Blades, a lifelong United supporter known as a “proud Red,” had regularly brought his own boys to matches.
His widow, Sarah, watched from the stands as their two sons served as mascots for the Ipswich Town fixture. The elder boy walked out holding captain Bruno Fernandes’ hand, while goalkeeper Senne Lammens led the younger child.
Manchester United announced the tribute in a statement online, writing: “It was with great sadness that Manchester United learned of the death of PC Matthew Blades and his colleague PC Tom Clough in an accident near Middlesbrough last weekend.”
The club continued: “Matthew was a proud Red, a devoted family man and a police officer who dedicated his life to helping others.”
A close friend and colleague sent an additional tribute that United shared: “For Matthew, United was a lifelong love, a passion he shared with his family. 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.”
Sarah Blades released her own statement following her husband’s death, saying: “No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt – my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys.”
She described him further as “an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle.”
“The pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same,” she added. “Neither will the love he gave us ever fade.”
She concluded: “Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad.”
Beyond his devotion to United, Blades had become a coach at Seaton Carew FC and had been preparing to coach his son in the upcoming season.
Clough’s family also issued a tribute last weekend, writing: “He was our hero with a fantastic of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason.”
The statement noted he “proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place” and was “always on public duty throughout his short life.”
Police have made 24 arrests in connection with the crash investigation, including 17 earlier this week.