PC Matthew Blades, 37, who lived in Hartlepool, and his colleague PC Tom Clough, 38, were among seven people who died in the South Bank crash which happened at 3.39am on Saturday 22 August. Five young men in a Volkswagen Passat also died in the accident.
Hartlepool United held a two-minute silence at Victoria Park before their Friday night game with Eastleigh. A spokesperson for the club said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough. Our thoughts are with their families, friends, colleagues and everyone affected.”
Meanwhile youngsters from Seaton Carew FC and FC Hartlepool – two junior teams PC Blades coached – paid their own tribute, along with senior players.
In another tribute, PC Blades’ two young sons led out the Manchester United team as mascots for the weekend’s Premier League match against Ipswich at Old Trafford, while his proud widow watched.
The club also paid tribute to Matthew, who was a big Manchester United fan and regularly attended games, in the match programme.
An official Cleveland Police fundraising appeal has already raised more than £1,100,000 for the two officers’ families.
