Supporters honour young Wycombe fan

Sunderland fans have paid tribute to a young Wycombe Wanderers supporter who tragically died aged just 13.

Oliver Darlington sadly died after spending four days in intensive care battling the effects of sepsis after contracting a heavy cold.

Described as being “full of life and fun, with his whole future ahead of him”, Oliver was honoured with an applause by supporters in the 13th minute of the Sunderland v Wycombe match at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Oliver attended matches with his dad Tom, a Wycombe season ticket holder.

He was also a keen footballer himself, playing for his local team Downley Dynamos and winning many trophies.

The tribute came after a SAFC fans’ group urged others to give a minute’s applause at the match, to show solidarity in the way that other clubs did when Bradley Lowery passed away in July 2017.

Bradley captured the imagination of the country before losing his life to neuroblastoma at the age of only six. Fans were asked to give a standing ovation during the 13th minute of the game.

The Sunderland AFC Supporters’ Facebook page on Saturday said: “How about a standing ovation tomorrow on the 13th minute to show our support to 13- year-old Wycombe Wanderers FC fan and season ticket holder, Oliver Darlington, who sadly lost his life on the 3rd of January due to sepsis?

“Many clubs showed their support for our Bradley, hopefully we can show ours for Oliver in return.”