JAKARTA - The UEFA Nations League match between England and Greece at Wembley Stadium on Friday, October 11, 2024, early morning WIB, was very emotional.
Before the kick-off, the players of both teams stood in the middle of the field to a moment of silence remembering the death of footballer George Baldock the day before the match.
Baldock is a British-born player who chose to defend the Greek national team.
Greece also received permission from UEFA for both teams to wear black armbands in honor.
Two football pundits as well as former players, Ian Wright and Roy Keane, who hosted the match also paid their respects via live broadcasts on television.
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"Poor news, shocking news. You can't help but think about friends and family. I spoke to Karl Robinson (former MK manager Dons) last night who was devastated."
"He (Baldock) is hard-working and strongly-minded. You always think, the way he tries, he will always achieve goals in the Premier League."
"I am very sorry and all my condolences convey to his family," said Ian Wright.
Wright knows Baldock very well. The legend of Arsenal and the England national team once led the defender during his coaching period at the Constitutional Court Dons academy.
Another legend who lost was Roy Keane. The legend of Mancheste United and the Irish national team remembers Baldock when he was still defending English club Sheffield United.
"They will be surprised. I remember him at Sheffield United. He has great energy and is always ready to fight."
"The players will react, be professional, and perform optimally for him," said Keane.
Baldock died at the age of 31. He was found drowned in the swimming pool of his home in Athens, Greece.
Greek media reported that Baldock was found by the property owner after his wife was worried about setting off an alarm when she couldn't contact him.
He was later found dead, with an initial autopsy confirming he had drowned.
Baldock played against and with several British stars while still defending Sheffield United.
Dean Henderson, who was on the Three Lions bench in the match against Greece, played with Baldock at Bramall Lane, home to Sheffield.
He has starred in Blades, Sheffield's nickname, since 2017 before moving to Greek club, Panathinaikos, this summer.
Baldock last played for the Greek national team in March 2024.
Meanwhile, respect for England vs Greece is not only for Baldock. The two teams also paid their respects to Lord Herman Ouseley, who died last week at the age of 79.
He is a key figure in fighting racism in football with the Kick It Out foundation.
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