STADIUM’S TRIBUTE TO FALLEN HEROES
SUNDERLAND AFC PAYS TRIBUTE TO SERVICE PERSONNEL BEFORE SATURDAY’S GAME
The Stadium of Light fell silent on Saturday as Sunderland AFC honoured the armed forces and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in past conflicts.
The fixture with Southend United, which was the club’s last home game before Remembrance Sunday, saw serving military personnel, veterans’ groups and families of those who have lost their lives in the service of their country all in attendance.
Soldiers from the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery paraded around the pitch before the game and formed a guard of honour as both teams took to the field.
A traditional period of silence was observed prior to kick off, while the players wore special one-off match shirts bearing the traditional poppy emblem, which will be donated to armed forces charities.
Staff Sergeant Chris Gee from 5th Royal Artillery helped lead the tribute, alongside club staff, with poppy wreaths laid both at the club war memorial and in the centre circle ahead of the game.
The Black Cats also showed their support for Veterans in Crisis – Sunderland (VICS), a city charity dedicated to supporting veterans who are facing difficult times, to get back on their feet.
Staff Sergeant Gee said: “Sunderland’s backing for the military and armed forces charities has been simply amazing.”
“Sunderland’s backing has been simply amazing” STAFF SERGEANT GEE