Gary Shaw cause of death as Aston Villa pay tribute to hero vs Bayern Munich in Champions League

Aston Villa have honoured late club hero Gary Shaw ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League match at Villa Park, their first home tie in Europe’s elite competition for 41 years.

The striker, who passed away last month, helped Villa beat tonight's visitors Bayern Munich in the 1982 European Cup final, having scored three goals en route to the historic showpiece in Rotterdam. Tributes to Shaw are expected ahead of kick-off, with the club naming him on their squad list in their matchday programme.

The academy graduate, whose 18 goals led the Villans to the 1981 First Division title, netted 79 times in 213 games for his boyhood club. The 63-year-old’s death just over a fortnight ago shocked Villa, their fans and the wider football community.

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In recent years, Shaw had been a regular matchday attendee at Villa Park and often held question and answer sessions with corporate guests. The club ambassador had also worked as a statistician, having formerly helped coach the youth team.

A club statement upon his passing read: “Aston Villa Football Club is deeply shocked and profoundly saddened to learn that Gary Shaw, one of our European Cup-winning heroes, has passed away.

“Gary was one of our own, a talented striker who delighted supporters with his goalscoring exploits which helped fire Villa to success in the 1980s. Individual accolades would also follow for a player who was idolised by many on the terraces.

“He passed away peacefully earlier today surrounded by his family, who asked Aston Villa to release a statement on their behalf. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Gary’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”

The cause of Shaw’s death was revealed as the result of injuries sustained in a fall. Villa manager Unai Emery dedicated the club’s 3-0 Champions League opening win away at Swiss club Young Boys to Shaw, just a day after his passing was announced.

Fans have also been paying their respects too. The Witton Arms, a proud supporters’ pub located just 100 metres from Villa Park, this week unveiled a mural of Shaw, who was named PFA Young Player of the Year in 1981 and European Young Player of the Year in 1982.