English Football mourns Phil Hughes on matchday weekend
The tributes continued to flow for deceased Australian cricketer Phil Hughes as Premier League clubs and players continued to remember the sportsman. The batsman was injured on the back of the head during a Sheffield Shield match after being hit by a bouncer from fast bowler Sean Abbott. The match was abandoned immediately as Hughes was flown to St. Vincent's Hospital after he fell unconscious on the ground seconds after the blow. He passed away two days later.
Earlier Arsenal, Reading, David Beckham, Gareth Bale amongst others had taken to social media to pay homage to the left-hander. Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak, and players Adam Federici and Tim Cahill dedicated the day to the South Australian in their own way. The tributes continued throughout the weekend with Arsenal fans at The Hawthorns carrying banners for the match against West Bromwich Albion.
Hughes was an Arsenal fan who had also visited The Emirates in 2009.
Meanwhile, Tim Cahill kissed his black armband he was wearing after scoring in New York Red Bulls’ 2-2 draw with New England Revolution in the MLS.
Cricket Australia have officially altered his last match’s scorecard to make sure it shows Phil Hughes 63 not out instead of Phil Hughes 63 retired hurt. His ODI jersey no. 64 has also been retired in his honour.
Elsewhere, Manchester United also took part in the widely successful #PutOutYourBats campaign which has taken social media by storm in the recent days. They posted a picture of a bat on the Old Trafford pitch before the 3-0 win against Hull City.
Crystal Palace player Mile Jedinak and Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici carried bats with them before their away games at Swansea and Norwich respectively. Jedinak’s goal helped Palace earn a point keeping the away from the relegation zone.
Federici put a bat in his net before the game and then put it behind just before kick-off