Football club and fans pay poignant tribute to schoolboy stabbed to death
BIRMINGHAM City FC, Blues fans and travelling supporters paid tribute at yesterday’s game to 12-year-old schoolboy Leo Ross who was lost his life to knife crime.
The youngster was remembered with a minute’s applause in the 12th minute of Saturday’s match between Birmingham City FC and Rotherham United FC, with his picture beamed onto the big screen at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park stadium.
Birmingham City FC said in a post on Facebook that “every single person” in the stadium rose to their feet in memory of the schoolboy – adding that it was “an emotional tribute to a special boy”.
Afterwards, in a post-match interview, Birmingham City FC manager Chris Davies described the death of Leo as a “devastating loss of life” and he added: “For us it’s the least we can do to try and raise awareness and pay our respects to the boy.
"It’s very, very sad for everyone involved and I send my best wishes to his family and everyone affected by it.”
Leo, a pupil at Christ Church C of E Secondary Academy in Yardley Wood, was fatally stabbed as he made his way back from school in The Shire Country Park in Hall Green, Birmingham, on January 21.
Leo Ross (Image: West Midlands Police)
His family described him as an "amazing, kind and loving boy" in a tribute, while executive headteacher at Leo's school, Diane Henson, said he was "a lovely and happy young man" with many friends who "adored him".
Wreaths for Leo were also laid at the football club on Saturday and supporters carried balloons and a banner saying ‘say no to knife crime – say yes to a safer future’ before releasing the balloons into the sky.
Wreaths were laid in memory of Leo Ross at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park stadium, Birmingham. (Image: Birmingham City FC)
Wreaths laid for Leo Ross at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park stadium, Birmingham. (Image: Birmingham City FC)
Wreaths laid for Leo Ross at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park stadium, Birmingham. (Image: Birmingham City FC)
Tribute to Leo Ross at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park stadium, Birmingham. (Image: Birmingham City FC)
Football supporters march with balloons and a banner in memory of Leo Ross at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park stadium, Birmingham. (Image: Birmingham City FC) Birmingham City Official Supporters' Club had invited fans to pay tribute to the youngster.
In a post on Facebook the club said: “Leo was one of us, he was a Brummie but more importantly he was a loved one who was taken way too soon.”
A 14-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of Leo, possessing a bladed article and four unconnected counts of assault and he is due to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on April 22.