Teesside Footballers, Supporters Honour Two Cleveland Officers Lost in Fatal Crash

Football enthusiasts and players across Teesside have come together to honour two Cleveland Police officers who tragically died in a road accident. PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough lost their lives when their police vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with another car travelling against the flow of traffic on the A66 near Middlesbrough. The incident occurred in the early hours of August 22, as reported by BBC on Saturday. Five individuals in the other vehicle also perished in the crash.

Before Middlesbrough’s Championship fixture against West Bromwich Albion at Riverside Stadium, a minute’s applause was observed in memory of the officers. Images of PC Blades and PC Clough were displayed on the stadium’s large screen as both supporters and players participated in the tribute. Similar respects were paid at a match between Seaton Carew FC and FC Hartlepool, where PC Blades had previously served as a junior football coach, making him a familiar face within the local football community.

Marcus Newing, a coach at Seaton Carew and a close friend of PC Blades, described the preceding week as “horrendous” but acknowledged the comfort derived from nationwide support. He fondly remembered PC Blades as a dedicated father and husband, always eager to lend a hand. Mr. Newing remarked, “He was giving to everybody, he was daft as a brush, the smile that would light up a room and he loved being around people.”

Marty Hewitt, an ambassador for Seaton FC, noted that the tragedy had united rival clubs. He stated, “Everyone just wants to put some time back and take a moment out and reflect on what Matty’s done and obviously for the life of Tom as well.” Middlesbrough FC also extended their condolences, commending the officers’ commitment and Cleveland Police’s efforts in safeguarding the local populace. On Friday evening, Hartlepool United observed a two-minute silence prior to their National League match against Eastleigh.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with 24 individuals having been arrested in connection with the incident. The five occupants of the other vehicle who died were identified as Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Jacob Matusiak, 23, Makai Saddington, 18, Theo Rae, 17, and Cole Robert Worthy, 17. These widespread tributes underscore the deep bond between the fallen officers and the communities they served, as football fans and clubs collectively remembered their lives and contributions.