Sons of police officer killed on A66 lead out Manchester Utd

PC Matthew Blades, described by Man U as a “proud Red”, was killed alongside colleague PC Tom Clough in a crash with a VW driving the wrong way on the A66 at South Bank last weekend.

The children led the team out onto the pitch as mascots, walking with captain Bruno Fernandes and goalkeeper Senne Lammens ahead of their game against Ipswich.

The Red Devils expressed “great sadness” at the deaths of the two officers in a matchday programme.

“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.”

Middlesbrough paid tribute to the pair on Saturday (August 29) in their Championship match against West Bromwich Albion at the Riverside.

Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion players observe a minutes silence in memory of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, ahead of the Sky Bet Championship match at Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough. Picture date: Saturday August 29, 2026. PA Photo. P (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA)

A period of applause was also observed in honour of the two police officers before the Boro 10K on Sunday morning, and Darlington FC paid tribute before their National League North match against Macclesfield on Saturday.

Hartlepool United supporters held a two-minute silence for both officers before the club’s game against Eastleigh on Friday night, with members of PC Blades’ family joining players in the centre circle.

A two-minute’s silence was held for PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough before Hartlepool’s game against Eastleigh tonight. (Image: MARK FLETCHER)

Two officers’ hats left on the pitch at Victoria Park in memory of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, (Image: MARK FLETCHER)

An image of PC Blades with his two sons at Old Trafford featured in the Man U v Ipswich match 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.”

PC Blades, a dad-of-two from Hartlepool, has also been remembered for his work coaching youngsters at football clubs in the town.

He and PC Clough were travelling in a marked armed response car when the crash happened around 3.39am.

Inquests opened on Thursday heard both died from head and neck injuries.

Five people travelling in the Passat also died. They have been named as Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Jakub Matusiak, 23, and Makai Saddington, 18.