Nottingham Forest and Notts County to remember Nottingham attacks victims ahead of pre-season friendly

There'll be a minute's silence and players and staff will wear black armbands

A message on flowers laid by Home Secretary Suella Braverman on the steps of Nottingham Council House in the days after the attacks in June
Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 15th Jul 2023

Nottingham Forest and Notts County are joining together today to pay tribute to the three people who tragically lost their lives in the Nottingham attacks last month.

Ahead of kick-off in this afternoon's pre-season friendly at Meadow Lane, a minute's silence will be held to remember Ian Coates, Grace O’Malley Kumar, Barnaby Webber.

Ian, a 65-year-old devoted Forest fan, tragically lost his life in the Nottingham attacks last month along with students Barnaby and Grace, who were both 19 years of age.

There'll also be a tribute to Barry Spooner, who tragically lost his life in a separate incident days earlier.

Ian's sons, Darren, James and Lee will take their place pitchside for the minute's silence pre-match, as the city comes together to pay tribute.

James said: “The outpouring of support and the messages of condolences we’ve received from the football community has been astounding.

“Nottingham Forest and Notts County have been brilliant, as well as fans who have arranged charity games or passed on stories about my dad during his footballing days.

“The response has been heartwarming and we are extremely grateful.”

Black armbands will also be worn by both sets of players and there'll be a special cover for the matchday programme.

19 year old Barnaby Webber's funeral took place in Taunton yesterday
Crowds gathered inside and outside Taunton Minster yesterday for 19 year old Barnaby Webber's funeral

Yesterday a funeral service took place for 19 year old Barnaby Webber in his home town of Taunton in Somerset.

Hundreds of people gathered inside and outside of Taunton Minster to remember his life.

There were speeches from his family, friends, school mates, teachers and players he played sport alongside during his life.

A 31 year old man has been charged with murder over the attacks in the city in June.

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