World Cup candle tribute to fans lost in air crash
COUNCILLOR OUT IN RUSSIA LIGHTS FLAME FOR MAGPIES
CANDLES have been lit in Russia to remember the Newcastle United fans killed in the MH17 plane crash.
Newcastle councillor Rob Higgins, who is following England at the World Cup, pledged to make trips to cathedrals in Moscow and St Petersburg to light the candles in memory of John Alder and Liam Sweeney.
The two Magpies fans were among the 298 people who died when the Malaysia Airlines flight was shot down over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014.
Ahead of his trip to Russia, Coun Higgins – a passionate Newcastle and England fan – decided that he wanted to commemorate their lives in a gesture recognising the grief felt by football fans across the world over the air disaster.
At the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow last week, he lit two candles and left a note with the message: ‘In fondest memory of John and Liam. May they rest in peace. Toon Army.’
And today, Coun Higgins is planning to do the same at one of St Petersburg’s cathedrals.
In May, international investigators announced that the missile system that brought down the MH17 flight came from a Russia-based military unit, though Russia has always denied involvement in the incident.
Coun Higgins is attending all three of England’s group games and has been thrilled with the progress of Gareth Southgate’s side, who face Belgium on Thursday having already secured safe passage to the second round of the competition.
After a record-breaking 6-1 triumph over Panama on Sunday, Coun Higgins said: “The England match was sensational but I have to spare a thought for the Panama fans alongside me who were so colourful and a joy.
“They were simply pleased to just be there and partied throughout.
“At the half time interval I actually hugged the Panama fan alongside me as he was so gracious in defeat and could not help celebrating with him when his team scored.
“A lesson to all football fans in England about how we should approach the game.
“England were efficient and did the job but myself and fellow travellers are trying not to get carried away and are still apprehensive about Eden Hazard and co.”