Watch the moving moment football supporters honour young Wycombe Wanderers fan who died aged 13 at Sunderland AFC match

Sunderland fans have paid tribute to a young Wycombe Wanderers supporter who tragically died aged just 13.
By Sophie Brownson
Published 11th Jan 2020, 16:07 BST
Updated 12th Jan 2020, 13:08 BST
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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.

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The two teams met at the Stadium of Light at 3pm on Saturday, January 11.

Thousands of fans joined the applause on the thirteenth minute in honour of Wycombe fan Oliver Darlington who died aged 13Thousands of fans joined the applause on the thirteenth minute in honour of Wycombe fan Oliver Darlington who died aged 13
Thousands of fans joined the applause on the thirteenth minute in honour of Wycombe fan Oliver Darlington who died aged 13

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.

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Bradley captured the imagination of the country before losing his life to neuroblastoma at the age of only six.

Sunderland fans are being asked to pay tribute to Wycombe fan Oliver Darlington, who has died aged just 13. There will be a minute's applause in the 13th minute of the Sunderland v Wycombe match.Sunderland fans are being asked to pay tribute to Wycombe fan Oliver Darlington, who has died aged just 13. There will be a minute's applause in the 13th minute of the Sunderland v Wycombe match.
Sunderland fans are being asked to pay tribute to Wycombe fan Oliver Darlington, who has died aged just 13. There will be a minute's applause in the 13th minute of the Sunderland v Wycombe match.

Fans were asked to give a standing ovation during the 13th minute of the game.

The Sunderland AFC Supporters’ Facebook page on January 10 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.

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“We welcome the visitors to the Stadium of Light tomorrow, with Oliver firmly in our thoughts. RIP young man.”

One Facebook poster said: “I, being a SAFC supporter will show my respect for this young lad. RIP and condolences to Oliver’s family.”

Another said: “Hope we show our support. God bless and rest in peace young man.”

Friends of Oliver's family have started a JustGiving page to help raise funds for the UK Sepsis Trust and awareness of the risks of sepsis.

They have set a target of £10,000 and have already raised over £6,000.

To contribute, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/oliverdarlington

Related topics:Wycombe WanderersSunderlandBradley LoweryDownley DynamosStadium of Light