'Local rivalries mean nothing today': Football community pays emotional tribute to Richard Eades at West Brom vs Arsenal game - with VIDEO
Albion players and fans paid an emotional tribute to former mascot Richard Eades during the fixture against Arsenal.
The players donned black armbands in memory of the club stalwart, who died just hours before the Boxing Day home fixture against Everton.
Richard spent nearly 30 years associated with his beloved Albion – where he was most recently known as the man inside the costume of Baggie Bird’s sidekick, Albi.
He died on Boxing Day aged just 42, shortly before he was due to set off for The Hawthorns and reprise his role as the mascot.
Richard's death sparked scores of messages paying tribute to the father-of-two, who was also a highly-respected referee with the Birmingham County FA.
An Albion statement said: "News of his passing left all his friends and admirers at The Hawthorns shocked and deeply saddened."
In recognition of his contribution to the cub, Richard was named as fans' champion for the Arsenal game.
His fiancée Carly and their two children Lily-Mae, eight, and three-year-old Archie, along with Richard's fellow mascot Dave Challoner, were honoured before kick-off.
The club also prepared a film tribute of Richard in action which was shown before the start of the game.
Albion’s chief executive officer Martin Goodman said: “It has been a sombre few days for everyone who knew Richard and we wished to pay tribute to a man who was much-loved at the stadium and in return totally devoted to the club.
“Most importantly, we want to show our support for Carly, Lily-Mae and Archie and provide any comfort we can. We know the wider Baggies family look after their own in such difficult times.”
Albion fans started their own campaign to pay their own tribute to Richard with an ovation on 42 minutes of the Arsenal game and this was backed by the club, who beamed messages onto the big screen at The Hawthorns.
Club chairman John Williams added: ”News of Richard’s death was a tremendous shock to us all and everyone at the club offers their deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
