TRIBUTES have been paid to a “much loved and highly respected” football player who died suddenly this week.
Christopher Barnett, a player for Abertillery Excelsiors, died on Monday, September 11 after collapsing on Saturday afternoon whilst playing football.
A memorial fund for the 44-year-old has raised £2,285 since it was created yesterday.
In the page, it says: “This past weekend, we lost a true character and friend of Abertillery Excelsiors in Christopher Barnett, who tragically passed away on Monday.
“Barney was widely known in the community and within the football family, he was much loved and highly respected by his peers. He leaves behind wife Lesley and his son, Aaron.”
In the page, it also says the club has received messages of love and support from football clubs and individuals all over South Wales.
“It has been nothing short of awe-inspiring and fantastic to see the wider football family pull together, something that we are hugely appreciative of,” it continues.
RIP Christopher Barnett
— Tillery Excelsiors (@Aber_Excelsiors) September 11, 2017
💔
We'd like to thank the entire #footballfamily for their unwavering love and support at this heartbreaking time. pic.twitter.com/BQHK9S1dxV
Abertillery Excelsiors’ Facebook page announced the player’s death with “overwhelming sadness”, saying Mr Barnett’s death is a “tragic void we will never be able to fill”.
The page also announced that none of the club’s senior teams will be playing football this weekend out of respect for “Barney”.
“We feel this is a fitting and appropriate tribute to start the healing process for his family and friends, many of which he enjoyed spending time with on the pitch and at the club,” it adds.
“We would invite any and all comers to join us at the New Bridgend Inn on Saturday from 4pm to celebrate his life and recount the many heart warming and hilarious stories we all have for a true character of the club.
“We were better for having him in our lives.”
Gwent County Football Association have also paid tributes to the dad-of-one.
"The club are totally devastated at the loss of this popular player and did all they could at the game on Saturday to save him," it says in a statement on their website. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Christopher at this sad time.
"I request all clubs to observe a minutes silence at games this weekend as a mark of respect for Christopher and the family he has left behind."
To donate to the fund, visit gofundme.com/chris-barnett-memorial-fund
The Chris Barnett Memorial Fund is now active. All proceeds will go to the family. #makethedifference #legacyhttps://t.co/bd5ENsdiev
— Tillery Excelsiors (@Aber_Excelsiors) September 12, 2017
Tributes have come in from other football clubs in Gwent and beyond:
Another brilliant gesture from the gang at @TheOakFC. Barney would be impressed beyond words - we certainly are! https://t.co/5gbVoklEex
— Tillery Excelsiors (@Aber_Excelsiors) September 13, 2017
A fantastic gesture that means so much to all of us! Thank you guys! ❤️⚽️👏🏻 https://t.co/ivlRdPaPwP
— Tillery Excelsiors (@Aber_Excelsiors) September 13, 2017
Sorry to hear about your loss. our thoughts are with you all and his family at this very sad time ...
— Pontlottyn afc (@pontlottynafc) September 12, 2017
I'm pretty sure all the teams in Newport & District will also be holding a minutes silence to pay our respects. #FootballFamily https://t.co/mH3sacaULu
— Whiteheads Rhisga FC (@WhiteheadsRAFC) September 12, 2017
Both sides observed an impeccable minutes silence for Christopher Barnett of @Aber_Excelsiors tonight. RIP Chris pic.twitter.com/0Wxt6EPku3
— Ynysddu Welfare FC (@ynyswelfare) September 12, 2017
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