Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

Football fans unite and pay respect to murdered Arthur in sixth-minute tribute

Football fans across the country have paid tribute to a six-year-old boy who was killed by his own family.

Arthur Labinjo-Hughes died in June 2020 after being tortured by his dad and stepmum for more than a year.

Thomas Hughes has been jailed for 21 years for manslaughter, while Emma Tustin received a 29-year penalty for murder.

West Ham and Chelsea supporters united at the London Stadium in the sixth minute to pay their respects to Arthur.

An image of the young Birmingham City fan was projected on the big screen and similar tributes were held around the country.

Fans hold a minute's applause for Arthur Labinjo-Hughes (Getty Images)

"We are inviting our fans to join supporters of other Midlands sides to pay tribute to Arthur Labinjo-Hughes with a six-minute applause at today's game against West Brom," tweeted Coventry City before the game.

"Our thoughts are with all those who loved Arthur."

Aston Villa plan to unite with their rivals Birmingham to pay tribute to Arthur during their Premier League game against Leicester.

"Aston Villa will pay tribute to Arthur Labinjo-Hughes with a sixth-minute applause at Villa Park on Sunday," tweeted the club on Friday.

"Everyone at the Club is deeply saddened by Arthur’s heartbreaking passing. Our thoughts are with all affected by this cruel tragedy.

"Rest in Peace, Arthur."

Birmingham's squad held a banner up before their Championship game against Millwall in London on Saturday, which read: "We love you, Arthur."

The West Midlands club have also arranged for a number of touching tributes to take place at their next home game against Cardiff on December 11.

"Plans are in place for a flag of remembrance to be installed in the lower Kop for the fixture against the Bluebirds, with a minute’s applause to be held in the game’s sixth minute and accompanied by a message displayed on the ground’s big screen," read a statement on Birmingham's website.

"Two memorial bricks will also be cemented into the stadium in a lasting tribute to Arthur... The club remains deeply saddened by his passing and is in the process of exploring further ways to support children at risk.

"Rest in Peace, Arthur, may you always have an angel by your side."

Birmingham City paid tribute to Arthur on Saturday (Twitter / @BCFC)

Birmingham's game with Millwall was halted in the sixth minute, as the players joined the fans in paying their respects to Arthur.

"A touching moment as play is paused for a period of applause for Arthur, both sets of players and fans clapping throughout the sixth minute," tweeted Birmingham.

Speaking on Friday, prime minister Boris Johnson promised: "We will leave absolutely no stone unturned to find out exactly what went wrong in that appalling case."

Many figures within football have paid tribute to Arthur, including Gary Lineker. "Beyond heartbreaking," tweeted the Match of the Day host. "RIP Arthur."

BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey shared a video of West Ham and Chelsea fans paying their respects to the youngster.

"For little Arthur," tweeted Humphrey. "May he rest in peace, may those responsible never know freedom again, and may the lessons for the authorities never be forgotten."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.