West Brom to pay tribute to man who died at Sheffield Wednesday during Middlesbrough match
Middlesbrough fans have been encouraged to partake as West Brom pay tribute to a man who died while supporting the club at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
Mark Townsend was in the away end at Hillsborough on Saturday supporting his beloved West Brom when he took ill and was later confirmed to have died, aged 57. As such, West Brom have announced plans to pay tribute to the 57-year-old during the game against Boro on Tuesday evening at the Hawthorns.
West Brom players will be wearing black armbands as a mark of respect for Mr Townsend, who was a season-ticket holder at the Hawthorns. On top of that, the club have invited fans in attendance to join in with a minute's applause in the 57th minute of Tuesday's match.
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A statement from the club said: "West Bromwich Albion Football Club is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of a supporter following a medical emergency during Saturday’s fixture at Sheffield Wednesday. The club has made contact with the supporter’s family to pass on its condolences and asks that they are allowed to grieve privately. The thoughts of all of us will remain with the supporter’s loved ones at this desperately sad time."
Baggies boss Carlos Corberan also took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute. He wrote: "Unfortunately we received the worst news. Our supporter passed away after today’s game. All my thoughts are with his family in this very sad moment. R.I.P."
Boro have sold approximately 1,100 tickets for Tuesday night's game, while remaining tickets will now available to buy on the night from the East Stand Ticket Office at The Hawthorns. Boro fans are encouraged to join in with the tribute to Mr Townsend - a fellow football fan who left to go and watch his team and sadly didn't make it home. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.