WEST Ham held a special pre-match applause in tribute to 15-year-old academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, who died of cancer earlier this month.

Oscar,15, from Benfleet, had been diagnosed with a 7cm ependymoma brain tumour in August 2023 — a rare tumour that grows in the brain or spinal cord.

After undergoing seven surgeries, one round of chemotherapy and of radiotherapy, Oscar sadly passed away with his family at his side on December 12.

Ahead of their Premier League match against Brighton yesterday - West Ham’s first home match since Oscar’s passing - a pre-match ceremony saw wreaths being laid on the centre spot as well as a one minute’s applause.

West Ham's first team squad also warmed up pre-match in t-shirts which had a photo of Oscar and the Academy players were seen wearing jackets which had the written message: 'One Of Our Own'.

West Ham supporters also rose to honour Oscar Fairs during the minute's applause alongside a banner of Oscar being shown.

Brave - Oscar was an U15s Academy goalkeeper at West Ham United (Image: Natalie Fairs)

Tribute - West Ham players paying tribute to Oscar Fairs, an Academy goalkeeper who passed away this month aged 15 (Image: Ben Whitley/PA)Mark Noble, Sporting Director at West Ham, son Lenny was a teammate and friend of Oscar.

Mark Noble said: “On behalf of everyone at West Ham United, it is with deep and profound sadness that I confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer”

“Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy – not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him.

Mr Noble added: “I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden - Lenny and his teammates all loved him.

“He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age.

“As a mark of respect, it was only right that all scheduled Academy fixtures last weekend were postponed. In due course, the Club will also share information on our plans to pay tribute to Oscar, and we will ensure that his name is never forgotten at West Ham United.

“The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.

“Rest in peace, brave Oscar.”