West Ham Striker Dies At 20 After Cancer Battle

Tributes have poured in for West Ham United striker Dylan Tombides, who has died of cancer aged 20.

The Australian player, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer three years ago, died on Friday with his family at his bedside.

His death will be marked by a minute's applause before West Ham's home match against Crystal Palace this weekend.

The Hammers' players will also wear black armbands in his memory.

The London club said in a statement : "Dylan was respected by everyone who knew him for his intelligent views on the game and his larger than life character.

"He was a loving son, amazing brother and well-respected member of the West Ham squad. He will be hugely missed by everyone who had the honour of knowing him."

The Perth-born forward made his first-team debut for West Ham in a League Cup match against Wigan Athletic in 2012.

He joined West Ham as a 14-year-old after a spell in Hong Kong, and played for Australia at Under-17 and Under-23 level.

"On behalf of the Australian football community, we offer our deepest condolences to Dylan's family, team mates and friends during this extremely sad time," said David Gallop, chief executive of Football Federation Australia.

As tributes were paid to the young star, "RIP Dylan Tombides" became one of the top trending messages on Twitter in the UK.

West Ham midfielder George Moncur tattooed the player's name on his left arm, with the date 1994 to 2014 underneath.

He posted a picture of the tattoo, along with the message: "My best mate always with me forever Dylan Tombides."

Chelsea player Nathaniel Chalobah tweeted: "In complete shock about the Dylan Tombides news, shaking. Played against him a few times, such a nice guy, 20 is no age. RIP."

Footballer Eoin Wearen wrote: "Gutted to hear about my friend and ex team-mate Dylan Tombides, who today lost his battle with cancer! Really am speechless....RIP Dyl."