Sheffield United honors George Baldock before game against Leeds after tragic death

Sheffield United and Leeds United honored the memory of the late George Baldock ahead of their Championship game on Friday evening.

Baldock, who played more than 200 times for Sheffield United, was found dead in Athens, Greece, aged 31, earlier this month.

The full-back joined Panathanaikos this summer after seven seasons at Bramall Lane, helping the Yorkshire club to two promotions to the Premier League.

In emotional scenes at Elland Road on Friday night, the rivalry was put aside as the Blades made the short trip north for their first game since Baldock’s death.

Both teams entered the field wearing black armbands. There was a minute’s silence before the game, which eventually turned into a minute of applause and chanting. Representatives of both clubs laid flowers in memory.

There were also flags and T-shirts with Baldock’s name and face, as well as the flags of Greece – the country he represented internationally – hanging throughout the Blades area.

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Open image in gallery

Open image in gallery

The tribute followed a number of fans laying flowers and wreaths outside Bramall Lane to honor Baldock’s memory following his shock death.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder signed Baldock in 2017 after working with him at Oxford United and said before the game the club was still trying to come to terms with the news.

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“It was really difficult,” Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield. “It puts everything into perspective, doesn’t it?

“We are in the football business, we are football people, but there is something that is far bigger than the football game on Friday.

“I need to talk about the game and the sad death of a player who meant so much to everyone here at Sheffield United.”