Birmingham City's heartfelt tribute to fan Arthur who would have been 11 this month
Birmingham City have paid a touching tribute to supporter Arthur Labinjo-Hughes who would have celebrated his 11th birthday this month. The Blues hold an annual Arthur's memorial matchday to remember the much-loved six-year-old on the closest home fixture to his biirthday.
A round of applause was heard in the sixth minute while the big screen displayed his picture during the club's 1-0 win against Exeter City in League One today, Saturday, January 18. Blues players held Arthur's number six shirt aloft, while funds were also raised for the NSPCC.
The youngster - born on January 4, 2014 - died on June 17, 2020, after suffering fatal brain damage from a "shaking injury." His step mother Emma Tustin, 34, was convicted of his murder and multiple counts of cruelty and was jailed for a minimum term of 29 years. Arthur's father Thomas Hughes, 31, was convicted of manslaughter. He was initially jailed for a minimum of 21 years, but that was later increased to 24 years by Court of Appeal judges who considered it unduly lenient.
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Before the game, Birmingham City said: "The Club's Sky Bet League One fixture against Exeter City on Saturday, January 18 will mark the club's annual Arthur's Memorial Match Day.
"As the closest home league fixture to Arthur's birthday, the Club and supporters will raise funds and awareness for the NSPCC. Around the ground on Saturday, supporters will see volunteers from NSPCC Birmingham with collection buckets asking Bluenoses to donate. Every £4 donated will cover the cost of one call into Child Line.
"In keeping with recent tradition, the match shirts for the Exeter City clash will feature a special “Arthur 6” emblem in the centre. Each shirt (match worn or match issued) will be signed and made available for auction on the Club's Auction House. Details as to when the auction is live will be announced across Club Channels. All proceeds of the auction will go directly to the NSPCC.
"The club also asks supporters to commemorate Arthur’s life with a round of applause in the sixth minute, when the big screen displays his picture."