Sheffield United pay emotional tribute to George Baldock vs Leeds after tragic death

Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock was found dead in his swimming pool in Athens last week and the Blades made sure to pay tribute in their first game since the tragic news

Sheffield United paid an emotional tribute to former defender George Baldock on Friday after his tragic death.

The Blades took to the pitch for the first time since news of the Greek international’s passing as they travelled to Leeds. Both sides took part in a minute’s applause in his memory, while players donned black armbands during the game itself.

Jack Robinson and Ethan Ampadu both laid white wreaths at the side of the Elland Road pitch in front of the Sheffield United fans. An image of Baldock was also displayed on the big screen in the stadium.

Sheffield United defender and Baldock’s former teammate Anel Ahmedhodzic said: “It’s difficult. He was my partner when he was here. Me and him would dominate on the right side when we would play together.

“He was the first one that really brought me into the group. It’s hard to put into words but he was such a great guy and it’s very, very, very sad. For me personally, and for people I know, it’s been a hard week.”

Fellow former Blade Chris Basham added: “First of all, condolences to his fiance and his family. I was hit by it hard. My memories are a lot of games underneath with him and I knew he’d always be there.

“It wasn’t always merry, it was sometimes fiesty with me and him. That’s the kind of character he was, he wanted the best out of himself and out of everybody else around him.

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“He was definitely the heartbeat of the dressing room. He’d be the first to put the music on and get the boys rallied up ready for the game. One-on-one he was probably the best I played with, he was very hard to get past and set his standards very high, playing against the best in the world internationally and for his club.

“I’m hoping that both teams tonight can give him the best he deserves because he was an outstanding person and an outstanding footballer as well.”

Speaking before the game, Blades boss Chris Wilder added: “It’s been really difficult. It puts everything into perspective, doesn’t it?

“We’re in the industry of football, we’re football people, but there’s something miles bigger than the game of football on Friday.

“I’m having to talk about the game, and having to talk about the sad passing of a player that meant so much to everybody here at Sheffield United.”

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