Cats fans’ applause for Connor at game
Murder victim Connor Brown was remembered as thousands of Sunderland fans took part in a minute’s applause for him during Saturday’s home game against Plymouth Argyle.
Applause filled the air around the Stadium of Light during the 18th minute of the fixture in memory of Connor.
The 18-year-old, who followed the Black Cats both at home and away, died in the early hours of February 24 following an incident outside The Borough pub in Sunderland city centre.
Thousands of supporters, both home and away, put their hands together as the 18th minute passed, taking time to recognise and celebrate his life.
They were on the feet as a picture of Connor was broadcast on the ground’s big screen, and chants of “One Connor Brown” could still be heard above the clapping.
Outside the ground football fans added donations to the fund, run by a team of volunteers called Connor’s Crew, with buckets donated for the event by city charity Veterans in Crisis and blue heart-shaped balloons donated by Park Lane Cards.
To date, more than £26,000 has been raised to support his loved ones through an online fundraiser with footballer Jordan Henderson and reality TV star Charlotte Crosby among those who have pledged money.
Brad Lilley, 21, from Farringdon, was among those to donate.
The fitness motivator, who works at the Raich Carter leisure centre, said: “I didn’t know the lad, but we went to the same school.
“Obviously, it’s a terrible tragedy what’s happened, and we need to support the family when they are going through a difficult time.
“It’s not something that happens around here and the whole community is affected.
“It’s times like these that people come together this, for things like this and the balloon release.”
On Friday hundreds of people turned out at North Moor Lane, as two balloon releases were held in Connor’s name.
Marc Leslie, 47, from Edinburgh was down for the match with son Thomas, 14.
He said: “I heard about what happened on Radio Newcastle because I listen to the Sunderland phone-in, being exiled up the road.
“It’s an absolute tragedy, the loss of someone so young is dreadful.
“I heard about the collection and wanted to make a wee contribution to it as well.
“It must be awful for his family and my son is a teenager, which brings it home.”